Fresh Hope Is Rising Across Canada This Easter Season
By Lara Watson
There’s a quiet power in slowing down—and that’s exactly what Holy Week
invites us to do. It’s a call to walk gently, intentionally, from the celebration
of palm branches to the shadow of the Cross, and onward toward the light
of resurrection.
This year on 100 Huntley Street, our Holy Week series, Journey to the
Cross, has felt especially sacred. Not only because it’s a profound spiritual
season, but because Canadians are carrying so much right now. And for
those of us who follow Jesus, we know there’s only One who can carry it all
—Jesus.
Our prayer is simple: that from coast to coast, Canadians will tune in—from
living rooms, farmhouses, high-rises, and hospital beds—and that fresh hope
will rise across this nation. Do we believe it’s possible? Absolutely. Do we
serve a God who resurrects hope? Easter is the evidence that we do.
This year, when Canadians tune in, they’re met with the warm, familiar
voice of one of Canada’s most beloved authors: Ann Voskamp. From the
moment she stepped into the studio, it felt as if the presence of Jesus came
with her. Ann’s voice is rooted in the soil of her Ontario farm, rich in
humility and love for both God and this country. And all week, she’s helped
us walk through the story of Jesus with reverence and honesty.
One of the most unexpectedly profound moments came from something so
simple—hot cross buns. As Ann and I shared a recipe and reflected on the
history of this sweet treat, she said something that stopped me:
“Baking hot cross buns during Holy Week isn’t just a tradition—it’s a way to
worship with your hands. The mess becomes the memory.”
As we explained how the spices inside symbolize the burial spices used for
Jesus—and how the cross on top reminds us of His sacrifice—I shared this
thought:
“Maybe while you wait for your hot cross buns to bake, you take that time
to reflect—or even pray with your family as you wait to enjoy them together.
Because resurrection doesn’t come without waiting. And it doesn’t come
without the Cross.”
Ann and I also spoke about revival—not just the kind that fills arenas, but
the kind that begins quietly: in prayer circles, around kitchen tables, in the
hearts of young people worshiping late into the night.
“Revival isn’t always loud or flashy,” I shared. “Sometimes it begins in the
quietest places—when one heart turns back to Jesus. When someone opens
the Bible again. When prayer becomes a lifeline, not a last resort.”
Ann told us about The Village Table, her local gathering in a 125-year-old
restored stone church where neighbors from across denominations worship
together and pray for their community.
“The Cross of Jesus stands at the intersection of the whole world,” she
said, “and right now, Canada is at that crossroads too.”
From Vancouver to St. John’s, from Nunavut to Niagara, God is stirring
hearts. In some Canadian churches, 45 languages are spoken—an echo of
Revelation’s vision that every nation and tongue will worship the Lamb.
And it matters. Because Canada needs the hope of Jesus—not just on Good
Friday, not just during election seasons or times of global unrest—but every
single day. Our people are longing for a hope that holds. And Jesus is that
hope.
On Good Friday, as Ann and I lit a candle to represent the light of Christ, we
were reminded of this truth: the Cross changed everything. It’s where
shame loses its grip. Where forgiveness flows freely. Where love didn’t just
speak—it acted.
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” — John 10:10
So let’s keep praying for our land. Let’s keep believing. Let’s keep letting
hope rise.
Because…
Sunday is coming.
Jesus is risen.
And hope lives here—in every Canadian heart turned toward the Cross.
Tune in to 100 Huntley Street’s “Journey to the Cross,” Holy Week
Programming, 9am & 9pm April 14-18 on YES TV. Brought to you by
Crossroads
And as promised, here’s our 100 Huntley Street Holy Week Hot Cross
Buns recipe—a simple way to invite faith, warmth, and memory into your
home this Easter.
