Podcasts about first easter

May 18, 2025Today's Reading: John 16:12-22Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 20:1-16, 22-27; Luke 11:37-54“When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” (John 16:21-22) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.  As each of our children was coming into the world, I remember the labor process well. I remember the easiest natural birth when my wife and I were walking around the hospital waiting for the contractions to bring the birth. Especially I remember my poor, obvious, and generally unsuccessful attempts to distract her from the labor pains. I also remember the planned C-Section, which seemed oddly effortless as far as the actual birthing process went. Then I remember the long labors when my wife expressed her pain and fatigue. Most of all, I remember how every time there was joy in the new life my wife held in her arms when the work was finished. This is life in the world as Christians, isn't it? Sometimes our life in the world is relatively painless, and we get to see the joy easily. Sometimes, it's difficult, but we can still get through it relatively unscathed. Then there are those times when we have no idea how we'll finish the course.  Jesus' warning here tells us that the end is attainable, and it is attainable by the joy that is to come. In fact, what we see is that He is our joy. He is the One on whom we fix our eyes, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross and scorned its shame. What do I mean? I mean that as Christ has loved us, He has carried our sin to the cross to redeem us. He has desired that we would be with Him in the joy of His Eternal Kingdom, and so He has suffered what our sin deserves. He has experienced with that the suffering of death. But in His resurrection on the First Easter is the promise that all suffering has been overcome.  So why still the birth pangs and the suffering now? Because through this, He forms us as those clinging to Him and to His promises of eternal life alone. Through this, He promises us, promises you that as you are His baptized child, as you have been born that child out of the water and the Spirit, you will have eternal joy with Him. But it's that baptismal promise that becomes the way He also strengthens you to endure it. It's hard now, but the light of that life with Him is the light shining at the end of the tunnel of this suffering. It's shining and brightening your life even now so you would know He will never leave you nor forsake you in it.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. O God, You make the minds of Your faithful to be of one will. Grant that we may love what You have commanded and desire what You promise, that among the many changes of this world, our hearts may be fixed where true joys are found; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.- Rev. Matthew Zickler, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Western Springs, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Message preached by Pastor Duke Downs on Sunday, April 20, 2025 AM.

The table is a place of safety and courage, where we share meals, stories, and struggles. The ways of hospitality break down the walls of hostility, just as they did for God's people in ancient times, symbolizing His saving and providing actions. Meals still matter because Jesus meets us at the table, inviting us to experience Him together. Will you accept His invitation? Listen to Pastor Jared Van Voorst to learn more.  Also, we highly encourage you to download the Church Center App if you want more information about the church. The app will be able to guide you toward our Calendar of Events, ways to Give, and fill out a Connect Card. 

Pastor Scott Ardavanis preaches a sermon on Easter Sunday from John 20 verses 1 through 9 on the first easter, when Jesus resurrected from the dead.

Pastor B G Stumberg Matthew 28:1-10

Today on Easter Sunday we consider the very first Easter where Jesus secured salvation for a fallen world. As we look at the Bible and consider the First Easter under 3 headings:1) Preparation2) Problem3) ProclamationHe is not here, He is risen!

This Easter on The Lisa Burke Show, neuroscientist and newly baptised Christian Baroness Susan Greenfield reflects on a life of scientific discovery, spiritual awakening, and the enduring quest to understand consciousness. In this exclusive for The Lisa Burke Show, we welcome one of the most visionary minds of our time—a scientist, entrepreneur, author, and House of Lords peer who has dedicated her life to researching the brain and consciousness, and now journeys inward toward faith. This Easter Sunday, as the season of renewal and rebirth arrives, it is a profound privilege to share with you a conversation that speaks to the mind and the soul, with a science icon of mine. For the first time, newly baptised Baroness Susan Greenfield will mark this Easter as a Christian. Classics to Pharmacology Baroness Susan Greenfield began her intellectual life immersed in Ancient Greek and Latin thanks to an inspirational teacher, and it was there that the seeds of her fierce curiosity took root. For Susan, the Classics developed a rigorously disciplined way of thinking: a mental gymnasium that trained her to ask the deepest questions of what it means to be human. “The Romans and Greeks dealt with love, fate, identity - questions we still grapple with. We've advanced technologically, but philosophically? Not much.” This foundation in classics led her, perhaps surprisingly, into science. Encouraged by a bold Oxford pharmacologist who told her she could “tell us about Homer during the coffee break,” despite not knowing the basics of chemistry, Susan entered neuroscience. Since then, she has gone on to lead research groups at Oxford and founded the biotech company Neuro-Bio Ltd, devoted to early-stage diagnostics and interventions for Alzheimer's disease. Susan is also affiliated with the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing, where she confronts one of our century's greatest challenges: how to extend our health span, alongside lifespan. Alzheimer's, Cognitive Capital & Consciousness The Alzheimer's research Susan leads is revolutionary. She and her team have devoted over 40 years to identifying molecules that could stop neuronal death potentially before symptoms even begin. With a latency window of 10 to 20 years between brain degeneration and visible symptoms, Susan envisions a three-step screening model, starting at home, to catch the disease early enough for real prevention. Yet she is just as passionate about prevention through lifestyle. Cognitive capital may well be the new GDP. A daily life filled with rich conversation, curiosity and mental stimulation is just as vital to our brains as sleep or diet. “The brain should be part of the school curriculum,” Susan insists. “Ten-year-olds can grasp it. It's their brain, their identity. Why should they wait until university?” Susan's take on consciousness brings us to a realm we haven't quite been able to grasp yet in words or measurement. “It's subjective, immeasurable… and that makes it terrifying for many scientists.” She distinguishes between the brain, the mind and consciousness. And then there is the soul. Faith and the Soul “I think the riddle of consciousness is somehow tied up with what we call the soul,” she muses, a space she now embraces more openly. Raised in a home divided between Jewish and Christian grandparents, married to a self-proclaimed atheist, Susan has now found faith in her own way. “I feel a deeper sensitivity to faith now,” she confides. “I believe in God more than I used to.” Her faith journey culminated in a quiet baptism last year. “This Easter,” she says, “feels like my first.” For a neuroscientist whose every instinct is to explore and analyse, this act of surrender is to someone bigger than oneself. It doesn't conflict with her science; it deepens it. “Consciousness may vary in degrees,” she says, “like sleep or anaesthesia. So why not faith?” Female leadership A scientist style icon, Susan has always been unapologetically herself. “I cultivated my look as a kind of armour,” she explains, “but it also reflects who I am—curious, expressive, unwilling to conform.” Now as a CEO, Susan calls on all of us, especially women, to invest, support, and mentor. Indeed, only 2% of venture capital still goes to women. “Leadership,” she says, “is about vision, not control. It's about showing what's possible.” She embodies this truth in every aspect of her life—from the lab to the Lords. Legacy is in addressing the big questions In reflecting on her legacy, Susan doesn't cite awards. She returns, instead, to the passion of discovery. “Just doing the science is the reward,” she says, echoing physicist Richard Feynman. And to young people unsure of their path, she offers the same wisdom that has shaped her own life: don't be afraid to ask the big questions. “It's better to ask some of the questions than to know all the answers.” Happy Easter in whatever way you plan to spend the weekend. To follow more from Susan Greenfield:


Happy Easter! To celebrate the spring holiday, Matt sat down to watch "The First Easter Rabbit" from Rankin/Bass for the first time!Tune in to hear him talk about the ups and downs of this very *interesting* special and, as usual, he determines whether or not it should be deemed a holiday classic. Come listen!

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Anthony DeStefano returns to share The Story of the First Easter Bunny which helps children find more than the shallow commercialism around the holiest Christian holiday, Easter.

Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Ephesians 2.14-18; John 20.19-23; Mark 16.8; Luke 24.11; Isaiah 41:10, 53.5 The Gospels do not explain the resurrection; the resurrection explains the Gospel. Look at what Jesus did. Look at what Jesus says. Look at what Jesus gives. When has the risen Jesus Christ come to you when you least expected? How has the Lord been with you when you experience fear or challenges? Into what current situation is Jesus speaking peace? How often do you ask God for a fresh filling of the resource that He gives, the Holy Spirit? Where are you stepping out to go where the Lord is sending you? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email John Burley (JBurley@StAndrews.Church).

Easter, as it has been taught to us through traditional modern sermons, is, as Bishop John Shelby Spong described it, simply "unbelievable." Stepping back from the "yippee, we're all gonna live forever" myth, this lecture tries to treat the first Easter in a historical context with a critical discussion of early Christian writing.

Sermon March 31, 2024

Guidance Lessons from the First Easter – Key to Guidance Series – Dan Mickelson”. The post Guidance Lessons from the First Easter – Key to Guidance Series – Dan Mickelson appeared first on New Song Church.

March 31, 2024 Mark 16:1-8 (ESV) 1 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 (ESV) 1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.

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What's up, dudes? Well, it seems that Little #1, Little #2, and Little #3 hijacked my recording studio and held their own episode all about the 1976 Rankin Bass Easter special "The First Easter Rabbit!" It's an adaptation of the children's book "The Velveteen Rabbit," and it's wild!A young girl named Glinda gets a stuffed bunny for Christmas which she names Stuffy. She loves it unconditionally, but when she contracts scarlet fever, it has to be burned. Stuffy is approached by a magical sprite named Calliope, who transforms him into a real rabbit. She mandates that he become the first Easter Bunny.Stuffy meets Santa Claus and moves into Easter Valley, an area of the North Pole perpetually existing in Spring. Unfortunately, an ice wizard (perhaps a former servant of Winterbolt?) named Zero steals the Golden Easter Lily, causing the valley to freeze and snow. Santa rescues Stuffy and helps him deliver his Easter goods to Glinda's hometown. He also forces Zero to return the Lily. All's well that ends well.A fairy that knows substitutiary locomotion? Check. A Savage Land type headquarters? Got it. A remorseful sentient snowball? For sure! So grab your Easter eggs, put on your bonnet, and take Santa's sleigh to this episode!Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Totally Rad Christmas Mall & Arcade, Teepublic.com, or TotallyRadChristmas.com! Later, dudes!

GET THE BOOK HERE: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/the-story-of-the-first-easter-bunny/ref/58/ITALY TRIP: A 12-DAY PILGRIMAGE WITH KENNEDY HALL AND FR. ALBERT KALLIO O.P.: https://www.catholicheritagetours.com/khit2024

"You have to tune your antenna for what God wants you to do," said Anthony DeStefano, author of the new book "The Story of the First Easter Bunny," on how he decides what topics to write. Anthony is an American author, television host and activist. He has written five bestselling Christian books for adults, including: A Travel Guide to Heaven and Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To. He has also written eight bestselling books for children, including: The Donkey That No One Could Ride and Little Star. In his most recent book, "The Story of the First Easter Bunny," Anthony delves into the story of the Easter Bunny. At a time when the profound significance of Easter is often overshadowed by commercialism, The Story of the First Easter Bunny is a refreshing and heartwarming reminder of the true meaning of this most holy of Christian holidays. The story focuses on a pint-size bunny with enormous ears who seeks healing for his sick mother by searching for Jesus and listening to His words. The bunny shows courage and compassion on his selfless journey. When all seems dark and he is afraid, the bunny remembers Christ's words and takes refuge in God's promise by calmly waiting for the light. To learn more about Anthony, visit www.anthonydesefano.com and find his new book at https://sophiainstitute.com/product/the-story-of-the-first-easter-bunny/

Bestselling author Anthony DeStefano sits down with me to reveal the heartwarming narrative of "The Story of the First Easter Bunny." Our conversation delves into the delicate balance of incorporating secular symbols like the Easter Bunny into the Christian celebration of Easter. It's an episode that promises to offer parents and grandparents alike a new way to share profound religious truths through the charm of children's literature.Why I wrote "The Story of the First Easter Bunny" by Anthony DeStefano"At a time when the profound significance of Easter is often overshadowed by commercialism, I wanted to write a book that imparts the true meaning of this most holy of Christian holidays to children. I came up with The Story of the First Easter Bunny— a tale of a pint-size bunny with enormous ears who lives during Biblical times. The bunny lives with his sick mother, and when he hears about Jesus, he goes on a selfless search to listen to His words. After he witnesses the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection, he and his mother experience a life-changing miracle, and the bunny goes on to spread the message of salvation to all who will listen. I wrote this book— illustrated by NY Times bestselling artist Richard Cowdrey— as a way to “adopt” the Easter Bunny as a symbol of hope in the Risen Lord, of the transformative power of faith, and of the reality of Heaven. I'm hoping that it will offer readers an inspiring alternative to our culture's obsession with chocolate treats, dyed eggs, and cartoon characters of little substance. Most importantly, I hope the bunny's example of faithful attentiveness to the Word of God serves as a reminder to readers — both young and young at heart — that God's love is ever present and that when we trust Him with the confidence of a child, we can find redemption, fulfillment, and lasting joy." Link for Purchase: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/the-story-of-the-first-easter-bunny/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SophiaInstitutePress/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SophiaPress www.AnthonydeStefano.com Please send donations to support our work to:John Paul II Renewal Center902 S Randall RoadSTE C #296St. Charles, IL. 60174Don't forget to sign up for our Newsletter!!  JPll Renewal Center email listFor more information please go to our website: jp2renew.orgSupport the show

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How does Easter fit into the story of Jesus' Kingdom.

Hello friends, are you getting ready for bed? Let's make sure we've brushed our teeth and washed our hands. Oh and don't forget your comfy things. Now it's time for the perfect bedtime story. About Mr. Jim: Hi! I'm Jim Jacob, a South Carolina based creator. I started as a podcaster by accident. Our first real episodes on the internet were me trying to find a solution to help tell my sons stories as I was traveling for work. I recorded some stories and hoped that by uploading them to a podcast app, my wife and kids could have easy access to listen. What started as a fix for our family's bedtime routine interruption has grown into a worldwide audience with hundreds of thousands of listeners. My wife Jocelyn and I have 3 kids and love inspiring others towards greater imagination and curiosity. Social Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heymrjimFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/heymrjim Listen to HEYMRJIM Podcasts Kids Short StoriesKids Animal StoriesSpyology Squad Contributing Writer: Melissa LoehleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Mike Erre -

Steve DeNeff - Exodus 3:7-8a; 6:6-8; 1 Peter 1:3-9. The First Easter is the Last Exodus. Let the march begin!

Pastor Kurt Green

THE FIRST EASTER SERMON-MARK 16-1-8

Father Rick Luoni's Sermon "The First Easter Mourn" If you are just visiting, please know that we accept you wherever you are on your spiritual journey. Welcome Home! You are loved with a love you did not earn, therefore you can never lose! Want to give to our ministries, but not sure how? It's as easy as texting! Simply Text STMICHAELSORL to 73256 and follow the steps! More info here: https://wiki.acstechnologies.com/display/AccessACS/Text+Givinga Sign up for our eMessenger to Stay in Touch - http://stmichaelschurch.co/SignUpToStayinTouch Connect with us! - https://stmichaelschurch.com/contact/ Prayer Request - https://stmichaelschurch.com/prayer-request/ Your Church Home in College Park - Love God, Love Others, Serve the World

Let's face it, we all want stronger and closer family relationships. The family of God should live differently from the world in our feelings and behaviors toward one another. Every family is different and is made up of individuals with different values and desires. If each family member is not making Jesus greater, the family will struggle. If our families are going to experience greatness, Jesus must be first. When we put Jesus first, we will see the impact in our families.“He must become greater: I must become less.”—John 3:30 (NIV)This collection of talks will focus on practical ways to strengthen the relationships in our lives so that we can be the family God intends for us to be.

The rooster relates what he sees from his hiding place after he sees that Jesus is alive.  He is no longer afraid and wants everybody to know.  He hears Peter and John talking.  Now they understand and leave with the other disciples for Galilee.  The rooster goes back to his city and crows some more!

The rooster follows the soldiers and Jewish leaders as they take Jesus to different places in the city.  Jesus is whipped and laughed at.  The leaders stir up the crowd and they demand Jesus be crucified like the worst of criminals.  When Jesus dies, darkness and an earthquake comes in the middle of the day.  The scared rooster hides among some rocks.  Since Jesus was dead he would never crow again.  

Celebrate the holiday with this charming book from the legendary Tomie dePaola. This board book is the perfect size for little hands, and makes a great addition to any Easter basket.The importance of family and sharing are beautifully shown in this board book all about Easter celebrations. Tomie dePaola's bright illustrations and easy-to-follow text explain the traditions associated with this special holiday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/avant-garde-books/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/avant-garde-books/support

On the last night of Passover week all is not quiet in Jerusalem.  The rooster goes out to a place where he looks for olives to eat and finds the disciples sleeping and Jesus praying.  He wakes up when loud soldiers grab Jesus and all the disciples, even Peter, run away.  Peter is afraid and denies Jesus three times.  The rooster crows desperately, twice.

Special guest teacher Dr. Woodrow Kroll returns to -Encounter God's Truth- this weekend to prepare us for Resurrection Sunday.-Dr. Kroll examines the dramatic account of -Mary Magdalene-The Star of the First Easter,- from John 20.-He'll challenge us with the fact that we must really believe-we must be certain in our hearts and minds-that Jesus actually rose from the dead on that first Easter- And he'll also help us understand why Christ's death and resurrection were absolutely essential to our faith.-With host Wayne Shepherd, we are excited to continue our tradition of welcoming Dr. Kroll to bless us with special Easter messages. -They remind us so powerfully once again that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.

Special guest teacher Dr. Woodrow Kroll returns to "Encounter God's Truth" this weekend to prepare us for Resurrection Sunday.Dr. Kroll examines the dramatic account of "Mary Magdalene—The Star of the First Easter," from John 20.He'll challenge us with the fact that we must really believe—we must be certain in our hearts and minds—that Jesus actually rose from the dead on that first Easter! And he'll also help us understand why Christ's death and resurrection were absolutely essential to our faith.With host Wayne Shepherd, we are excited to continue our tradition of welcoming Dr. Kroll to bless us with special Easter messages. They remind us so powerfully once again that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.

Special guest teacher Dr. Woodrow Kroll returns to -Encounter God's Truth- this weekend to prepare us for Resurrection Sunday.-Dr. Kroll examines the dramatic account of -Mary Magdalene-The Star of the First Easter,- from John 20.-He'll challenge us with the fact that we must really believe-we must be certain in our hearts and minds-that Jesus actually rose from the dead on that first Easter- And he'll also help us understand why Christ's death and resurrection were absolutely essential to our faith.-With host Wayne Shepherd, we are excited to continue our tradition of welcoming Dr. Kroll to bless us with special Easter messages. -They remind us so powerfully once again that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.

Special guest teacher Dr. Woodrow Kroll returns to "Encounter God's Truth" this weekend to prepare us for Resurrection Sunday.Dr. Kroll examines the dramatic account of "Mary Magdalene—The Star of the First Easter," from John 20.He'll challenge us with the fact that we must really believe—we must be certain in our hearts and minds—that Jesus actually rose from the dead on that first Easter! And he'll also help us understand why Christ's death and resurrection were absolutely essential to our faith.With host Wayne Shepherd, we are excited to continue our tradition of welcoming Dr. Kroll to bless us with special Easter messages. They remind us so powerfully once again that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.

Special guest teacher Dr. Woodrow Kroll returns to -Encounter God's Truth- this weekend to prepare us for Resurrection Sunday.-Dr. Kroll examines the dramatic account of -Mary Magdalene-The Star of the First Easter,- from John 20.-He'll challenge us with the fact that we must really believe-we must be certain in our hearts and minds-that Jesus actually rose from the dead on that first Easter- And he'll also help us understand why Christ's death and resurrection were absolutely essential to our faith.-With host Wayne Shepherd, we are excited to continue our tradition of welcoming Dr. Kroll to bless us with special Easter messages. -They remind us so powerfully once again that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.

Special guest teacher Dr. Woodrow Kroll returns to -Encounter God's Truth- this weekend to prepare us for Resurrection Sunday.-Dr. Kroll examines the dramatic account of -Mary Magdalene-The Star of the First Easter,- from John 20.-He'll challenge us with the fact that we must really believe-we must be certain in our hearts and minds-that Jesus actually rose from the dead on that first Easter- And he'll also help us understand why Christ's death and resurrection were absolutely essential to our faith.-With host Wayne Shepherd, we are excited to continue our tradition of welcoming Dr. Kroll to bless us with special Easter messages. -They remind us so powerfully once again that God's Word is true from the beginning to the end.

The rooster relates that the whole city of Jerusalem welcomes a man who rides in on a donkey.  He hears about what has happened and discovers the perfume that had been used before hand for Jesus burial.  The rooster is not afraid, even when Jesus makes a lot of noise throwing the moneychangers out of the temple and makes the religious leaders mad at Him.  Jesus says He will be crucified, but Peter says he will never let it happen.  The rooster thinks Peter is brave like he is.  Then they have the Passover lamb.

The Lord is risen! This Sunday we gather in person as a congregation for the first Easter since 2019! Pastor Rich preaches on the first sermon recorded on the Sunday Jesus rose from the dead. It's a sermon that has stood the test of time and has the power to transform our lives. Please read through the story before our gathering.

Happy Monday, Christmas Fanatics! We hope y'all had a fantastic Easter and hope the Easter Bunny was good to every single one of you!  Once again, life got in the way for the elves this past week. But, not wanting let two weeks go by without an episode dropping in your feeds, they pulled this once Patreon exclusive, Easter-themed episode from 2021 to share with you all!  Journey back into the past in this episode with the elves as they cover the 1976, Rankin/Bass, traditionally animated special, "The First Easter Rabbit"!  How does it fare amongst the other Rankin/Bass specials the hosts have covered over the course of the show? Does it fall amongst the worst, or does it rank high like the also traditionally animated "Frosty the Snowman"? Also, why do the elves think that Rankin/Bass had more success with their Christmas specials than the other holiday fare they put out over the years?  Tune in to find out the answers to the above questions, and more, and enjoy this once-a-year foray into the realm of Springtime and Easter! And never fear, because next Monday we will be back in your feeds with a brand new Christmas episode, per usual!

The First Easter Sermon On Record.

My guest on this episode of Holy Smoke was an Anglican bishop for 37 years – one of the Church of England's foremost scholars and its leading witness for persecuted Christians. He was also an evangelical who, as bishop of the ancient see of Rochester, ordained women priests. But, as of this month, his title is Monsignor. I am, of course, talking about the Pakistani-born Michael Nazir-Ali, whose decision to join the Ordinariate has come as an enormous, if surprising, boost to the fortunes of that small but dynamic organisation for ex-Anglicans set up by Pope Benedict XVI. This will be his first Easter not just as a monsignor – he has just been made a Prelate of Honour by Pope Francis – but as a Catholic. I hope you enjoy our wide-ranging discussion in which, inevitably, I ask Mgr Nazir-Ali whether he's changed his mind about women priests.

The Reverend Lauren is back! Yes, Reverend Lauren McLeavey has returned to Bear Country to talk about Easter and, more specifically, the First Easter. and, even more specifically, “The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story” as well as “The Berenstain Bears and The Very First Easter!” She gives us the skinny on how good a … Continue reading "Episode 336 – The Berenstain Bears and The Easter Story/The Very First Easter"