O living and loving God, this past week has been one of mixed emotions; of faith struggling to understand.  We have greeted you with palm branches; we have sat at table with you to share a farewell meal.  We have witnessed your death on a simple wooden cross.  Yet on the third day, you come to us again in victory.  By this, we know that death is not the final word.  As the sun boldly rises to meet each new day, rise in our lives this Easter morning, for you are our hope, our life, and our joy.  Amen