Passover during a pandemic and free haggadah for you

The Four Questions of Passover 2021:
1. On all other Passovers, we invited people to join us. Why this year do we isolate in small groups?
2. On all other Passovers, we greeted fellow believers with a hug or a handshake. Why this year do we not touch?
3. On all other Passovers, we smiled at strangers and saw them smile back. Why this year do we not see smiles?
4. On all other Passovers, we ceremonially dipped our fingers in water before taking the matza. Why this year must we wash with running water and soap for at least twenty seconds?

JESUS’ LAST WEEK LEADING UP TO PASSOVER

Let’s face it: 2020 was a bust, and 2021 seems to be bringing more of the same. According to the American Medical Association and the Center for Disease control, nearly 41% of American adults are experiencing negative mental health issues as a result of this ongoing pandemic.

Not only have we been socially isolated for longer than we’d ever imagined, many of us are facing fears related to health, social unrest, weather disasters, loss of income, increased responsibilities, and bereavement. And in the midst of this mental health crisis, when we need them the most, support groups and mental health professionals have suspended or limited care available to the public, due to Covid-19 restrictions.

FIND FREE COUNSELING LINES IN YOUR U.S. STATE AT OPENCOUNSELING.COM/HOTLINES-US

People of faith are not immune to Covid-19, and we are not immune to the psychological effects of living in prolonged crisis. Holidays always seem to intensify our feelings. But they can also intensify our faith. This may be the first Passover that some of us have spent without our congregations, our extended families, or friends, but we know that we are not alone. We are united in spirit with all people of faith–past, present, and future–who endure hardship. And our Father God walks with us in this journey.

10 WAYS TO REMEMBER PASSOVER IF YOU DON’T CELEBRATE

When the Jews living in slavery in Egypt cried out in their affliction, God heard their prayers. “The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering.  So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey.” (Exodus 3:7-8, NIV)

During this trying season, be assured that God still hears our cries. He is still able to deliver us. He is still able to sustain us in the midst of the storm, too. If you experienced a spiritual strengthening in this pandemic, or another prolonged crisis, please share your story in the comments below.

HEZEKIAH’S PASSOVER: WRONG BUT STILL RIGHT

Have a lovely and meaningful Passover. And hang on. We’re all in this together.

Socially distanced air kisses,
Kathy
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DON’T MISS THIS! I’m introducing a freebies page to this site. You will want to bookmark that page and check back often. The first freebie is this Messianic Passover Haggadah.

FREE MESSIANIC PASSOVER HAGGADAH

This free and reproducible 25-page Messianic Haggadah is written in easy-to-understand language in English. It includes:
* How to prepare your mind, heart, and home for Passover
* Tips for including children in the fun
* Instructions for Bedikas Chametz (Search for Leavening)
* How to set up for the seder
* Seder items checklist
* Daily Jesus-focused schedule for Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread
* Explanations
* Messianic Seder script
* Glossary of terminology with pronunciation guide

Download or print .pdf Haggadah (NIV)   
Download .docx Haggadah (NIV) editable        

Download or print.pdf Haggadah (KJV)  
Download .docx Haggadah (KJV) editable