THE First Minister has wished everyone a “happy and peaceful Easter” with the promise that “better times do now lie ahead”.
The Scottish Government’s route map out of lockdown allowed churches to reopen last week, on March 26. However, they opened two days earlier due to a successful legal challenge by church leaders.
In her Easter message, Nicola Sturgeon attributed the hope that Christians derive from Easter to the hope that the country now has in the fight against Covid.
Wishing everyone a very happy Easter 🐣 pic.twitter.com/BxafAHs5aB
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) April 4, 2021
The First Minister said: “Easter is the most important date in the Christian calendar.
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“For many across the world it is a time of prayer, reflection, and celebration.
“And of course it is also an opportunity to recognise and show our appreciation for the contribution of our Christian churches – here at home and across the world.
“The story of Christ’s death and resurrection is one of inspiration and hope to many millions of people across our world.
“And of course hope is now what we have, again in our fight against Covid.
“I know this will be a difficult Easter again for many, separated from loved ones but please know that better times do now lie ahead.
“So, wherever you are, let me wish all of you a happy and a peaceful Easter.
“Happy Easter.”
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This message was echoed by Humza Yousaf, the Justice Secretary, who wished everyone a “blessed Easter Sunday”.
A blessed #Easter Sunday to all. Particularly to our Christian communities across Scotland, I know how important a day this is in the Christian Calendar. #EasterSunday pic.twitter.com/nlctapA7yn
— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) April 4, 2021
In a video on Twitter, Yousaf said: “Can I wish everybody in Glasgow Pollock and no doubt right across Scotland, a very happy Easter Sunday.
“Whatever you’re doing I hope you’re having a really enjoyable Easter Sunday.
“I know many of us will be taking the kids out for an Easter egg hunt, maybe rolling a couple of eggs down a hill, enjoying some chocolate eggs as well.
“But I know also for the Christian community in particular what an important festival Easter Sunday.
“So can I wish you a very blessed Easter Sunday and I hope, whatever you’re doing, you have a very enjoyable day.”
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