Easter is often seen as a time of renewal and of new birth and growth. Since it is in Spring, there are new plants blossoming all around us that helps to confirm this newness. However, we celebrate Easter for an even more important reason – moreso than the upspringing of new life. It is the time that we remember one special life that was brought back from the dead. Jesus’!
We have heard the story of Jesus’ crucifixion before and although it is a very sad retelling, there is a happy ending… one that is happier and gives us more hope than any tale we have ever heard. The best part of this story is that it is true!
Jesus was betrayed…
Jesus was humiliated…
Jesus was beaten…
Jesus was mocked…
Jesus was tortured…
Jesus died a very slow and painful death.
Why?
He paid the price of our sins – with his own life – so that we can one day be in heaven eternally. Because of the price he paid, our sins are washed clean. Although he was scared, he knew that this had to happen. He knew that God had a plan and he knew what had to be done. I do not know very many people who would be willing to go through all of that suffering that Jesus did. He did this not only for the people who were alive at that time, but for all the future generations of all time. He died for people he did not even know yet – he died for those that were not even born yet – he died for each of us – you and me.
The price was paid for each of us. Becuase of Jesus’ gift, we can all be forgiven of our sins. Amazing! Then, something even more wonderful and joyful and bewildering happened. The women of Galilee went to the tomb, but when they arrived, the stone was rolled away and Jesus was not there. While there were trying to contemplate what could have happened, they were approached by angels that asked, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he is risen! (Luke, 24: 5-6)”. Then the angels asked them to remember what Jesus had said while he was still with them in Galilee: “The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again (Luke 24: 6-7).” Praise God for this amazing and wonderful miracle! Jesus rose from the dead!
As you celebrate this easter with your family and enjoy the egg hunts and the time together, please remember the greatest gift – Jesus – is the reason for Easter. The celebrations of all that is new is remembered because of the gift of his life and his following resurrection. Jesus returned from the dead and now lives forever. He is always with us and always will be. He loved us before we were born and he accepts us just as we are.
Have a blessed Easter this year and in the years to come! May God bless you and your family this Easter and always! And remember….
It’s funny…I sat here all alone today feeling sorry for myself. I was missing family. I was missing my son. I was just plain ole miserable today. But after reading this I’m reminded that I lost total track of what Easter is all about.