A church in Europe anticipating Easter, April 2019 |
Reflecting back on my childhood, I can't say that any particular Easter Sunday service stands out in my mind. Part of me wishes I could remember something more specific than the hymn "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" being sung with organ accompaniment and with "Alleluia" punctuating each line. And yet, this annual holy-day made itself felt in other ways.
That's because my parents made every effort to take us to worship each Sunday. And every Sunday was a mini-celebration of Easter. The fact that Sunday was the day that early believers in Jesus chose to gather together has a direct connection to the "first day of the week," when the women disciples found the tomb empty and heard the angels declare, "He is risen." The music, prayers and teaching each week direct us to become Easter People, people shaped by the Resurrection of Jesus.
Call it the hinge, the foundation, or the hub of Christian faith, Easter & the Resurrection of Jesus is it!
Without the Resurrection, there would be no reason to gather. Without the Resurrection, there would be no assurance of forgiveness. Without the Resurrection, Christian hope would be misguided. Without the Resurrection, prayers to Jesus would be pointless. Without the Resurrection, the unity of Jesus' followers in any form would be impossible. Without the Resurrection, the motivation to bring blessing to others would expire when obstacles mounted. Without the Resurrection, Jesus' call to love one another would sound weak.
But because of the Resurrection:
- Gathering with others for worship is desirable
- Forgiveness has been secured
- Christian hope is appropriate
- Prayers to Jesus are purposeful
- Unity with other followers of Jesus is viable
- The desire to bring blessing to others has perseverance
- The call to love one another is accompanied by boldness