On behalf of the laity of the Northern Illinois Conference, I greet you in the name of our Risen Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. We’ve got a testimony. Yes, as we look back over our time as United Methodists, we can truly say that we have been blessed. Indeed, we have a testimony. And that testimony is to the goodness and the grace of the Lord and how he has brought us through time and again.  

In all of our lives, a little rain will fall now and then. But Jesus is the light of the world that overcomes all darkness. After the storm, the sun will shine again; the ICE will melt and the rainbow will appear. Joy will return. Yes, sisters and brothers, the sun will always shine again and bring us joy, because hope reigns eternal! Yes, the storms of racism, hatred, fear, intimidation, and cruelty are raging all about us, but it’s not like we haven’t seen similar videos throughout our history. And yet still, hope reigns eternal! 

The Bible is replete with examples of the significance of hope. For example, athe story of Joseph’s unjust imprisonment and his subsequent rise to power in Egypt (Gen. 37-50). And there’s the Prodigal Son’s return home after squandering his inheritance (Luke 15:11-32). And if there was ever hope, it was clearly evidenced by the thief on the cross who asked Jesus to remember him when he comes into his kingdom. And Jesus promised the thief that he would be with him in paradise (Luke 23:39-43). But the ultimate and most definitive act that personifies hope is demonstrated in God’s power over death and the promise of eternal life by raising Jesus from the dead (Luke 24). Hope reigns eternal! 

We will always have hope. We are the salt of the Earth and we know that salt melts ICE. So never let anyone or anything diminish your hope, faith and joy. Siblings, our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’s blood and righteousness and that hope reigns eternal! How dare we question or doubt the transforming blood of Christ. The conference Board of Laity is sending you our prayers and spreading love because hope reigns eternal. Go with God and be well.