Tonight we have heard some of the best drama the Bible has to offer us—all of it trying to tell us who we are and who’s we are. In Genesis we learned that we are part of a universe created by the loving, powerful word of God, created to be beautiful and good—very good—created, in fact, in the image of our Creator, bearing in ourselves God’s likeness of love and care for the world. We heard again in the story of Noah that we bear God’s likeness and image, and we belong to God who has established a covenant with us and every living creature. We learn in Exodus that we are people God will rescue from all the things that enslave us, as God rescued Israel from slavery and led them safely through the dangers of the Egyptian army and the Red Sea. The prophet Ezekial tells us we are those who know the living breath of God’s Spirit when our lives are dead and dry, just as in that scene from what could be a Tim Burton movie, when the Spirit’s breath brings flesh and blood and life to those dry bones. St Paul tells us that through Christ we are those who are dead to sin and alive to God; those whose lives are no longer ruled by death. And twice in Matthew we are told we are those who need not be afraid—Jesus is not dead but alive, and he has gone ahead of us.

This drama, and the song, and the prayers, and the art, all tell the story better than I can, so I won’t say much more. I hope this journey through scripture and song has brought you a little closer to the heart of who you are and who you are created to be. We are not alone in this world; we are part of a sacred and enduring relationship with the Creator. Through every trial and triumph, God remains faithful to God’s promise, guiding and sustaining us on our journey. In a world that often seeks to define us by superficial standards or fleeting accomplishments, may we remember that our true identity lies in our relationship with God. We are God’s children, created in love, called to live in communion with God and one another. Tonight, as we kindle the Easter fire and renew our baptismal vows, may we be true to both as children of the Resurrection, bearers of Jesus light and life to a world longing for redemption.