President Trump issues bold Easter proclamation

“Melania and I join in prayer with Christians celebrating the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ — the living Son of God”

President Donald J. Trump walks with Rev. James R. Harlan at the conclusion of Easter church service Sunday, April 21, 2019, at the Episcopal Church of Bethesda by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, Fla. (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian)

President Donald Trump cut a stark contrast from his predecessor at the onset of Holy Week this year, with a bold proclamation of the Lord Jesus Christ’s victory over sin and death.

“This Holy Week, Melania and I join in prayer with Christians celebrating the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ — the living Son of God who conquered death, freed us from sin, and unlocked the gates of Heaven for all of humanity,” the president wrote in a statement issued on Palm Sunday.

Trump spoke of “Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and culminating in the Paschal Triduum, which begins on Holy Thursday with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, followed by Good Friday, and reaching its pinnacle in the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night” which he described as a “a time of reflection for Christians to memorialize Jesus’ crucifixion — and to prepare their hearts, minds, and souls for His miraculous Resurrection from the dead.”

“During this sacred week, we acknowledge that the glory of Easter Sunday cannot come without the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on the cross,” he also wrote. “In His final hours on Earth, Christ willingly endured excruciating pain, torture, and execution on the cross out of a deep and abiding love for all His creation. Through His suffering, we have redemption. Through His death, we are forgiven of our sins.”

“Through His Resurrection, we have hope of eternal life. On Easter morning, the stone is rolled away, the tomb is empty, and light prevails over darkness — signaling that death does not have the final word,” Trump concluded.

Hallelujah!

The Christian Post notes that the White House has a full schedule of Easter events planned, including a pre-Easter dinner which will feature remarks from the president and musical performances by the Marine Corps Band and opera singer Charles Billingsley, who is a Christian.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted the administration’s “extraordinary weeklong celebration for Holy Week ahead of Easter Sunday” serves as a “sharp contrast” from President Joe Biden’s Holy Week commemoration, which was eclipsed by the attention Trump’s Democrat predecessor gave to “Transgender Day of Visibility” which happened to fall on Easter Sunday last year.

While this is hardly the only stark difference between Trump and Biden, it is incredibly significant. Biden belongs to a class of American politicians who would relegate historical, biblical Christianity to the sidelines of our society, while Trump has boldly brought his respect for the Christian faith to the center of his message and policymaking.

Let us pray that his honorific words are also reflected in actions that glorify God and His Son, Jesus Christ, and that under his presidency, our nation would bow its face before the Lord.

Wishing you and your family a joyous and blessed celebration of the resurrection of our Lord! Christ be with you, friends.