Happy Easter, All!

Today we celebrate Our Risen Savior, Jesus Christ's, resurrection. As Christians, we celebrate the conquering of death itself by Our Lord. On the calendar, Easter coincides with Spring–a season of rebirth–transitioning from the cold months of Winter.

Religiously, spiritually, and symbolically Easter has great significance to us. Over time, celebratory rituals have been commercialized: painted eggs, chocolate bunnies, floral hats and dresses. These things are all beautiful and fun expressions of the joy we feel on Easter. 

At the same time, Easter is much more than that. It represents the sacrifice that Jesus made, and the love of God for us. During Lent, we reflect on the 40 days he spent in preparation. In remembrance, we fast, pray, practice abstinence, and penance. It's a somber and reflective time, leading up to the Crucifixion. We reflect on the pain and the inhuman treatment he received as he walked, battered and beaten, with the cross.

After the Crucifixion, many many of his followers were experiencing trauma and loss. They too were hurting, emotionally and physically. What must they have thought when going to collect his body, and finding the tomb empty? What then did they think upon discovery of his Resurrection? Their reaction was what defined our religion. Christians mobilized, en masse, and followed and continued Christ’s teachings. We became the Body of Christ.

We mobilized. Growing from few followers in the Holy Land to over 2 Billion, worldwide. Many denominations, congregations, church buildings–One church. That's the impact of his Crucifixion, and Resurrection…And that's why we celebrate: God's love is eternal. Through life, through death. Heaven and Earth will rise up to support you, if you believe.

We go forth, no matter what seemingly insurmountable odds, we must continue on–for each other–because that's what He did for us.

Happy Easter to you and yours!

Matthew 28: 1-20