This Easter......

I've heard it said that Easter Sunday is like the Super Bowl for Christians. It's the big event of the year; there's lots of excitement, kids learn about the Easter bunny (whatever that is), and you might actually make it to church for an Easter service. However, I find this analogy lacking because Easter and all it represents are so much bigger than a one-day, overhyped event.

This Easter, my heart hurts for all the human rights abuses that are happening right under our noses. This Easter, I'm saddened by what seems to be the inhumanity olympics in our country. This Easter, I think about the impact our choices have on us.

This Easter, I'm also thinking of close relationships and wishing some were different than what they are.

This Easter, I'm melancholy.

The melancholy is not pervasive, but rather an acknowledgment of where I am because I am also grateful for protection, provision, and the people God has placed in my life. I'm grateful for life, with all its flaws and foibles.

When I wrote my book The Comfort of Night, I was reminded of God's comforting presence in our dark times. The setting is Maundy Thursday of Holy Week. Jesus had washed the disciples' feet, recognized that there was a traitor who was outed, after which he began to speak to his followers. He was going through a dark time, yet He encouraged his followers. He gave them a new mandate to love one another as he loved them so that the world would know they were his disciples (John 13:34,35). He could promise He would be a Comforter even if they saw him hanging from a cross. He was leaving them an eternal gift so they could live out this love.

This week is called Holy Week, culminating with Easter Sunday, when we celebrate Jesus' resurrection. This is cause for celebration!

Since the start of the year, it seems like we have experienced a thousand dark times, but we are not alone. This Easter, I'm grateful.

He is not here, for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 

Matthew 28:6 (NKJV)

But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.

Mark 16:6 (NKJV)

He is not here but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee.

Luke 24:6 (NKJV)

Did you notice that for the three gospels, "He is risen" is in verse 6? I never noticed until today.

I'm so glad Sunday is coming. For the Christian, for me, Sunday is always coming, and that's bigger than any Superbowl.

--Nylse

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