For millions of Americans, this weekend is a time to celebrate redemption at God’s hand. Tonight, Jews will gather for a second Seder, where they will retell the story of the Exodus. And tomorrow, my family will join Christians around the world as we thank God for the all-important gift of grace through the resurrection of His son, and experience the wonder of Easter morning.
These holidays have their roots in miracles that took place thousands of years ago. They connect us to our past and give us strength as we face the future. And they remind us of the common thread of humanity that connects us all.
For me, and for countless other Christians, Easter weekend is a time to reflect and rejoice. Yesterday, many of us took a few quiet moments to try and fathom the tremendous sacrifice Jesus made for all of us.Tomorrow, we will celebrate the resurrection of a savior who died so that we might live.
And throughout these sacred days, we recommit ourselves to following His example. We rededicate our time on Earth to selflessness, and to loving our neighbors. We remind ourselves that no matter who we are, or how much we achieve, we each stand humbled before an almighty God.
Christ’s triumph over death holds special meaning for Christians. But all of us, no matter how or whether we believe, can identify with elements of His story. The triumph of hope over despair. Of faith over doubt.The notion that there is something out there that is bigger than ourselves.
These beliefs help unite Americans of all faiths and backgrounds. They shape our values and guide our work. They put our lives in perspective.
So to all Christians celebrating the Resurrection with us, Michelle and I want to wish you a blessed and Happy Easter. And to all Americans, I hope you have a weekend filled with joy and reflection, focused on the things that matter most. God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.
对无数美国人来说，这个周末是感谢上帝救赎的日子。今晚，犹太人将团结一起再次举行家宴，重新讲述出埃及记的故事。明天，我家将和全世界所有基督徒一起感谢上帝给与的救赎他的子民的恩惠和复活节早晨的奇迹这些无与伦比的礼物。
这些节日扎根来源于几千年前所发生的奇迹。这些奇迹将我们与过去联系在一起，并给与我们面对未来的力量。这些也让我们记住将我们联系到一起的人性这一基本纽带。
对我和无数基督徒而言，复活节周末是反省和愉快的节日。昨天，我们很多人都静静的花了些时间参悟耶稣为我们所做出的巨大的牺牲。
明天，我们将一起庆祝救世主的复活，正因为他的去世才让我们得以存活。
在这神圣的日子里，我们再次提醒我们自己要以他为榜样。再次毫不利己的奉献我们的时间给那些我们关爱的邻友们。我们再次让自己牢记无论我们是谁，无论我们取得多大的成就，在全能的上帝面前，我们都显得如此的卑微。
基督以死换来的胜利对于基督徒而言有着特殊的意义。但我们大家，无论你相信多少信或不信，都能分辨出他的故事的每个细节。这是超越绝望的希望，超越怀疑的信念的胜利。
有些东西超越了国家的范畴，比我们自己更加重要。
这些信念将不同信仰和背景的所有美国人团结在一起；塑造我们的价值观并指导我们的工作；让我们的生活充满希望。
至此，米歇尔和我希望祝福所有与我们一起庆祝复活节的基督徒，祝大家复活节快乐。对于所有的美国人民，我希望大家的周末充满欢乐和反思，并关注那些最最重要的事情。愿上帝保佑大家，愿上帝保佑美利坚合众国。 |