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From the Chaplain

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From The Chaplain

Denis Oliver
Reverend Denis Oliver
College Chaplain

Several years ago my only son suffered an epileptic fit while we were playing cards as a family.

I watched my son convulse and turn blue – it was a horrible experience.  I remember cradling my son in my lap, as we waited for the ambulance, thinking, ‘Will he live?’. He did and today he jokes about it – I still do not laugh. 

I love my son, but it wasn’t until his life was threatened, that I realised how precious he was.  Interestingly, this event changed the way I saw Easter.  I had never seen Easter from a Father’s perspective.

I cannot imagine giving my son's life in exchange for someone else’s – I don’t love any person that much.  I cannot imagine asking my son to save another person’s life at the cost of his life – he is too precious.  Yet God the Father did.

10 Real love isn’t our love for God, but his love for us. God sent his Son to be the sacrifice by which our sins are forgiven. 11 Dear friends, since God loved us this much, we must love each other. (1 John 4)

This Easter know that God loves you, gave his Son, and offers you life eternal if you put your faith in him – please take up his offer.

If you already follow Jesus, make sure that you pass that love of God onto others. Make it visible in your decisions.