Getting ready….

Our family is probably much like yours; we are excitedly anticipating the arrival of Easter and the celebrations that follow.  We are reflecting on the time together, meal which will be consumed, Easter eggs which will be hidden and found, and finally the biggest event I cherished, Easter morning sunrise service.  Should I also mention I am the only one who looks forward to getting up before the chickens to see the sunrise?  The answer unfortunately is yes. 

However, this year is different so much of the excitement will be toned down.   In years before, I would be making the preparations for the family feast, setting the stage for the Easter hunt (or in the case of our older children a special gift and family event), and doing the invite to the extended family.  The excitement during the week would build until Easter morning.  I would prepare the meal to be slow cooked while we were at church and then everything would be ready for our relatives to arrive.  The week leading up to the special day would be as memorable for me as the celebration. 

As we are preparing for the honoring of the Risen Lord, I am reminded of the celebration which was being observed by the fellowship Jesus was with this week.  They too were preparing for the celebration of Passover and family togetherness we now celebrate.  As everyone was busy about the preparations for this weekend, I wonder how many really realized the mood Jesus was in.  Was he happy to be with those he loved or was he filled with dread with the knowledge this would be the last time he would be with them along the road he would have to travel for them?  I can’t help but think that he was feeling both.   Only Jesus knew the importance of this feast would also be a mirror of his own sacrifice, the Christ, the Lamb to be the final price, the way of escape from the sin of Adam and Eve.

As we are preparing for the spring break, Easter egg hunts, family meals, and Sunday morning services, don’t forget to also prepare for the excitement of what happens at sunrise.  Each new morning is a new beginning because Jesus beat death, and rose again to be the bridge for our way home to Papa.

Psalm 30:5 (The Message)

 ^4-5 All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God!
      Thank him to his face!
   He gets angry once in a while, but across
      a lifetime there is only love.
   The nights of crying your eyes out
      give way to days of laughter.

Psalm 16:11 (The Message)

 ¹¹ Now you’ve got my feet on the life path,
      all radiant from the shining of your face.
   Ever since you took my hand,
      I’m on the right way.