Easter is a glorious day, no matter which church you attend. It’s an occasion of unbridled joy and “alleluias” for our Savior, who rose from the dead to assure our eternal salvation.

And yet, this year my celebration is tempered somewhat by recent events—earthquakes, suffering, and violence—as I think about how the message of Easter speaks to them.

Yes, Christ offers us life in abundance—but we aren’t promised a bed of roses. We are called to suffer as Christ suffered. Look at the 12 disciples; ultimately, they were victims of violence. Ten were martyred and the other, John, was exiled to the island of Patmos, where he died a prisoner.

Yes, there will be losses, sacrifices, in this life. And that is the irony of God in Christ: The most powerful Creator of the universe chose suffering and death to demonstrate love.

Despite the terrible things that can and do happen, it’s important to remember that we do not serve a distant, detached God. The One we follow suffered for us and with us. Our identification is with Christ’s suffering.

Christ has gone before us and defeated the darkness, providing light and life. His sacrifice gives us lasting hope, undiminished by our trials. Yes, that’s the message of Easter. Alleluia!