When I was growing up, I could always count on finding a colorful Easter basket sitting beside the fireplace, filled with eggs, candy, and a few little toys. For me, Easter Sunday morning was like a miniature Christmas morning as I tore through the basket to see what the “Easter Bunny” had brought me. As I grew older, my mom would take me to somewhere like Belk or JCPenny’s to buy me a new outfit to where to church for Easter Sunday morning. Everyone always seemed to be wearing their very best on Easter, and even several of the ladies would wear funny, elaborate hats.
To be completely honest, it wasn’t until I entered high school that I began to get a greater grasp on the true meaning of Easter. As Christians, the Easter that we celebrate is so much more exciting than a holiday of egg-filled baskets, chocolate-covered bunnies, and a new suit and tie. Easter Sunday marks the fulfillment of Bible prophecy as God gives His own Son over into the hands of death, but by His power, raised Jesus from the grave three days later! The message of the empty tomb is the very heartbeat of the Christian faith! Our Father stepped down into creation with an immense act of love and mercy and gave His son to pay the ransom for our sins, that we might be redeemed unto Him by grace! With the resurrection comes a new day of worship, the defeat of man’s ultimate enemy – death, the promise of eternal life and the Holy Spirit, and the fulfillment of God’s perfect plan of redemption! DO YOU SEE HOW MUCH MORE EXCITING THAT IS THAN JUST A SILLY BASKET WITH EGGS IN IT?!?!
Too often we forget that the capstone of the Christian faith is the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that our message is such an amazing story that we should be running around to tell as many people as possible! Please don’t misunderstand me, Easter baskets and buying new clothes are great when put in the proper perspective, but let’s not forget the miraculous workings of our God and King this Easter. If we truly believe what we say we believe, Easter not only becomes a time to celebrate, but a time to share – to share our faith with our family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and anyone else who might come with us to church to hear the Gospel message.
May we have the boldness and courage of the Acts church in proclaiming the Risen Jesus and His love for the world. May we
see lives changed and hearts altered in our Easter Sunday service as we invite people to hear the Good News!
