| Bunnies spring forth |
Sunday, March 23, 2008
How the Easter Bunny Came to Be
Easter Thoughts
Today is Easter Sunday. A Christian holiday based on pagan traditions and coinciding with the spring equinox. It is a day of awakening. A day of new beginnings. A day that celebrates the anniversary of a life-changing experience on Earth.
Friday was Good Friday. A day when we remember the agonizing, cruel death of our Lord, stripped, scorned, mocked, and nailed to a cross to die along with two thieves. That cross at Golgotha has become a very important symbol in the lives of millions of Christians worldwide. What does it mean to you?
For me, this Easter season has been a challenging one for personal reasons. I have been trying to equate my own life to that of our Lord through this week. He had throngs of supporters as He travelled into the town on the back of a donkey just hours before His death, just as His first ride had been just hours before His birth. No wonder the donkey dons a cross upon its back. Such a blessed animal.
I see this throng of supporters in my life as my friends. Some of them are offering to be there for me too during this "dark Friday" part of my journey. Each has their own way of showing they care. I am grateful for them all.
Jesus was then wrongfully accused of what those in power deemed to be a crime. In reality, it was nothing more than a perceived threat to them. One they would not have. So He was condemned to a gruesome beating and subsequent death. Many times I have also felt as though I have been condemned and crucified wrongfully. Other times, circumstances make me feel very, very sad and outcast and without hope. Those times are my Good Fridays. Sometimes someone gathers at my feet (metaphorically, not necessary literally) to hold my hand through my pain.
The big difference for me is that I am still awaiting my Easter Sunday. I have yet to arise from the dead; to receive that Easter miracle; that great ascension into a beautifully transformed life. I try to take hope from that, but it's not easy. I know that Jesus died for me and for you. Still, my Easter has not come. I have waited many years for it, albeit not patiently by times, and I remain grasping at hope that it will come soon. I want a glorious ascension into the life I have longed for. Surely someone up above will guide me on my way.
May each of you experience your Easter journey in your own lives. Despite our Good Fridays, Sunday always comes. I believe it will for you and it will for me. However, it will be in God's time. May He grant us a speedy ascension. Happy Easter!
Friday was Good Friday. A day when we remember the agonizing, cruel death of our Lord, stripped, scorned, mocked, and nailed to a cross to die along with two thieves. That cross at Golgotha has become a very important symbol in the lives of millions of Christians worldwide. What does it mean to you?
For me, this Easter season has been a challenging one for personal reasons. I have been trying to equate my own life to that of our Lord through this week. He had throngs of supporters as He travelled into the town on the back of a donkey just hours before His death, just as His first ride had been just hours before His birth. No wonder the donkey dons a cross upon its back. Such a blessed animal.
I see this throng of supporters in my life as my friends. Some of them are offering to be there for me too during this "dark Friday" part of my journey. Each has their own way of showing they care. I am grateful for them all.
Jesus was then wrongfully accused of what those in power deemed to be a crime. In reality, it was nothing more than a perceived threat to them. One they would not have. So He was condemned to a gruesome beating and subsequent death. Many times I have also felt as though I have been condemned and crucified wrongfully. Other times, circumstances make me feel very, very sad and outcast and without hope. Those times are my Good Fridays. Sometimes someone gathers at my feet (metaphorically, not necessary literally) to hold my hand through my pain.
The big difference for me is that I am still awaiting my Easter Sunday. I have yet to arise from the dead; to receive that Easter miracle; that great ascension into a beautifully transformed life. I try to take hope from that, but it's not easy. I know that Jesus died for me and for you. Still, my Easter has not come. I have waited many years for it, albeit not patiently by times, and I remain grasping at hope that it will come soon. I want a glorious ascension into the life I have longed for. Surely someone up above will guide me on my way.
May each of you experience your Easter journey in your own lives. Despite our Good Fridays, Sunday always comes. I believe it will for you and it will for me. However, it will be in God's time. May He grant us a speedy ascension. Happy Easter!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Here Comes Peter Cottontail
Well, it's been a while since I last wrote. At that time, Santa was on his way, now it's the Easter Bunny. Oh well, both have some fur, and they both only come once a year.
Easter is early this year. This is Holy Week. Each day this week, we should take time to think of what is most important in our lives. On Friday, we remember the crucifixion of our Lord. An ending that we mourn, when he hung his head and said, "It is done." Three days later, a new beginning emerged for Him. One of eternal peace, joy, happiness, and love.
It's ironic that my life and those of others around me seem to be echoing that same pattern. May you see the ending of those things in life that you no longer want and need and see the dawning of those things that are unimaginably magic and bring you great joy, happiness, peace and love. I know that is what I am hoping and praying for. Magic ... pure magic.
Happy Easter!
Easter is early this year. This is Holy Week. Each day this week, we should take time to think of what is most important in our lives. On Friday, we remember the crucifixion of our Lord. An ending that we mourn, when he hung his head and said, "It is done." Three days later, a new beginning emerged for Him. One of eternal peace, joy, happiness, and love.
It's ironic that my life and those of others around me seem to be echoing that same pattern. May you see the ending of those things in life that you no longer want and need and see the dawning of those things that are unimaginably magic and bring you great joy, happiness, peace and love. I know that is what I am hoping and praying for. Magic ... pure magic.
Happy Easter!