A Perspective – What Easter Means to me!

As we have our fond memories as children on Easter Sundays, I’d like to share one with you of one of mine! Wearing my beautiful Easter ensemble (age 7); starched petticoats, covered with my fluffy dress - pastel yellow, orange, pink (or was it powder blue?) with satin ribbons; hair in spring curls. My shiny white, patent leathered shoes with the loud heel/toe taps simply had to come from Buster Brown; pretty laced ankle socks with flowers embroidered on the cuffs (only to roll beneath the heel of my feet in the midst of running an unrelenting habit for a child). To make my outfit complete: my white, patent leathered purse, pretty white gloves, a lacy hankie with a couple of dimes tied in a knot; topped with a very pretty Easter bonnet (slipping from side to side on my head, desperately hanging on for dear life by a flimsy tied ribbon …and of course, not to forget the best part…the beautiful Easter basket just waiting to be ripped open…(hoping I could sneak a bite of the chocolate bunny without getting it smudged on my dress …of course, that would never happen- my grandmother would NEVER allow it)! In church, I whim through the flurry of hats, watching people gather, the music, finding out who won the best colored eggs…and then off to zzz’s land…as the pastor begin the gospel; only to be nudged and alerted: “wake up and sit up straight” (by my loving “Madea” handing me a lifesaver candy). During a Baptismal ceremony - the pastor asked me: “What do you want to be when you grow up? “Without hesitation I said: “An Indian” this, of course, was not the appropriate answer - later finding out I was to say: “Saved! –and accepting the Lord as my Savior!”

We do exercise many holiday traditions. Some in spiritual reflections, many holds truth to the real reason we celebrate Easter, while others are as real as the battery-operated bunny laying designer eggs. Through the years, we have “gradually” come to learn the “true” meaning of this season: the purpose, its relevance, the in-depth truth! The impact of One’s sacrifice to save the souls of many!!!

The Scripture, John 3:16 (What is so amazing is that this scriptures reflects tremendous revelation; a statement; an announcement; a declaration: “For God so Loved the world that He gave His one and Only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have Eternal Life. As this scripture is embedded in our heart, mind and soul…the significance of its meaning is tremendous! This is powerful!...just meditate on the words:

For God so loved - God does not approve the conduct of men, but that He had benevolent feelings toward them, or was "earnestly desirous" of their happiness. God hates wickedness, but he still desires the happiness of those who are sinful. "He hates the sin, but loves the sinner." A parent may love his child and desire his welfare, and yet be strongly opposed to his conduct. When we approve the conduct of another, this is the love of complacency; when we desire simply their happiness, this is the love of benevolence.

The world - All mankind; the race that had rebelled and is undeserving. The entire world was in ruin and exposed to the wrath of God; all people were in a hopeless condition. His love for the world and for all mankind, was giving His Son.

That He gave – God gave His Son! Man had no claim on him…Love - the expression of eternal compassion, and of a desire, that sinners should not perish forever. Man had no claim on him; it was an undeserved gift. He gave him up to extreme sufferings, even the bitter pains of death on the cross. It was for the entire world. Jesus tasted "death for every man . He "died for us all."

His only-begotten Son– (John1:14) The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. This is the highest expression of love of which we can conceive. A parent who should give up his only son to die for others who are guilty if this could or might be done - would show higher love than could be manifested in any other way. So it shows the depth of the love of God, that he was willing. to give his only Son into the hands of sinful men that he might be slain, and thus redeem them from eternal sorrow.

As we enjoy Easter as a time of celebration with family, fellowship with friends sharing in peace and wisdom, it is of utmost importance that we know the true reason we and how celebrate. Memories as a child …are just that, a child’s memory- remembering the instant gratification of the five senses: sight, taste, touch, hearing and smell. It is our revelation to be able to understand the “significance” of the true meaning of Easter… It is a continual revelation, a continual realization, a continual celebration of knowing that our Lord, Our Lord, Jesus Christ…DIED TO SAVE US…our undeserving souls. This declaration cannot be integrated through our sight, taste, touch, hearing and smell; BUT, POWERFULLY EXPERIENCED NONETHELESS through our spiritual sense of faith, love, awe and knowledge of our Father’s love for us!!! The memories are part of the past, but the relationship with God is ETERNAL! So, for now, I will put all the Easter baskets, colored eggs, patent leather shoes, and Easter bonnets back into my memory bank. And, I will dwell on my new EVER increasing knowledge that God lives in me. I will celebrate rebirth, the resurrection of our Savior, and the renewal of my faith…and the best is yet to come !

Scripture

For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8: 38-39