THE clouds of war hanging over Iraq make the world a very black place. This isn't the first time the world turned black, it happened the day Jesus died. The darkness "was a symbol of the spiritual darkness which enveloped him" (John Stott). A spiritual darkness made from our failings.

Easter flashes into the darkness taking us from Golgotha and the silent tomb to a God-filled future. On Easter Day the disciples discover Jesus risen and alive. The Jesus known by them but now a transformed Jesus, as the Easter appearances demonstrate. The risen Jesus has broken free from our darkened world showing us a God-filled eternity.

Jesus is demonstrating what can be ours if we trust in him. Even when the world turns black we can grasp Jesus (whom darkness never overcame), and share hope-filled eternal life with God. Jesus shows what is possible; all we need do, to enjoy a happy Easter, is embrace the offer Jesus makes to us.

THE REV. DAVID NICHOL, St Peter's, Powick, and St James', Callow End, St Mary's, Guarlford, and St Mary's, Madresfield.