Easter Through a Grown Up's Eyes

Christmas is holiday I think I have always understood. I just got it. Maybe it was because every year we would have a Christmas Program (I was often in charge of the program ;-) where each of us would sing, play the piano, or act out songs we had prepared exclusively for the program. The night would culminate with my father reading the Christmas story out of the Bible. Then we would pray and begin the gift opening. All of the festivities were fun, but they also helped me understand what Christmas really means.

Easter was also a big deal in our family, but it was celebrated differently. When I was young, my mother used to sew our Easter dresses. I remember watching her each night work on our dresses. I so looked forward to trying on a sleeve or being measured for the skirt because I couldn't wait for Easter to be here and my dress to be made. I remember a yellow polka-dotted dress in particular. I loved colors so my mom sewed a little rainbow patch right at in the middle of the sailor collar. I loved that dress. I loved the Easter egg hunts, the patent leather shoes, and looking at hats that all of the women would wear. And although I think that somewhere in all of that, I knew we were celebrating Christ's resurrection and our salvation, I mean after all we would say, "He is Risen." "He is Risen Indeed," the magnitude of Easter hit me in a different way.

I don't know if it was because the Easter musical we were singing in choir really spoke to me or what, but it was like a reminder of the heart of matter, or rather the depth of the matter. Maybe it was because I was older and closer in age to Christ when he died than I had ever been. At the time the song The Glory of the Blood by Avalon hit it home for me. The heartbreak that Christ's followers and really the world felt when he was crucified, and the jubilation felt when he rose are things I have tried to but do not think I can possibly fully comprehend. But I try to. I try to imagine what it must have been like for all involved.

And that is how I connect with Easter...it is easy to get caught up in the eggs and the hats and the Easter dresses, but somewhere in all of that, just try to imagine what it must have felt like to be there. And try to remember that because of Easter we have been set free.

Happy Easter!

-RXW


What Rox: If you are in the Austin area, I invite you to visit Riverbend Church this Easter season. Good Friday: 8:00PM The Shadow of the Cross --Musical performed by Riverbend Choir. Easter Sunday: Services at 8:30AM, 9:45AM, and 11:15AM.
Hope to see you there.