Easter

Yes, it is still on my mind. Easter weekend is my favorite weekends of the year! Each year it becomes more precious. Jesus’ sacrifice. His amazing love. He is alive!

This year I became more aware than ever how different Christians celebrate this time of year. I tread carefully here. My heart is not to offend…most of all, I do not want to dishonor my Savior’s sacrifice in anyway. I spent days contemplating our own Easter celebrations. Are we unknowingly bringing disgrace to God’s victory…or not giving Him all the glory He so deserves?

This is how I am left feeling. Whether we choose to call it Easter, Resurrection Sunday, Holy Week or Passover the important thing is our hearts. Do we know and love Jesus? Are we walking with Him daily? If so, I don’t think the spring season can go by without our Sovereign God prompting our hearts to remember all He did for us one spring 2,000 years ago. Second, are we doing everything we can to tell others about Him and what He did for them too? If we are doing that, I honestly don’t think God cares what we call it.

Easter, originally a pagan holiday I have been told (though I admittedly don’t know the details) has merged into a celebration of both spring and Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection….at least in my family. I love the seasons. I love them because they belong to God. It is God’s creation telling the gospel story year after year.

My family enjoys dressing up and egg hunting because those are all God’s things – good things He has given us to enjoy. After a season of death, flowers breakthrough in brilliant pastels declaring life – and life abundantly. We dress up in celebration of the day He will dress us in our new Resurrection clothes. The eggs…well, they are His too. He created them and what a beautiful picture of life they are.

For two years now, I have had the amazing privilege of serving at the preschool welcome desk Easter Sunday. I can hardly hold back the tears as I talk with parents who brought their whole family to church for the very first time as a result of the egg hunt the day before. I smile kindly while my whole heart rejoices with song and dance that they will hear the gospel today, maybe for the very first time. Talk about God getting some glory!

I easily picture Jesus walking with us through all our Easter activities. I think He would love to laugh and play with the kids as they hunt for eggs. I imagine Him smiling easily at the pretty dresses. I know He would welcome the opportunity to find someone who didn’t know Him yet. And He would wipe away tears as we thanked Him for His sacrifice.

It is our hearts that matter to Him. Is Jesus alive and living in you? Then celebrate, my friend, however you know how.