"Why do we celebrate Easter?" I asked.
Most talked about Easter eggs and candy...new dresses and baskets of goodies. I wanted a different answer. Nothing wrong with eggs and candy, but I was looking for something more. We've been learning the stories in the bible beginning with the Old Testament and now finally we are at the story that tops all stories.
"This is the most important story of all!" I exclaimed.
You see this Friday, Good Friday, we will remember Jesus died on the cross. It is a sad day, but the story isn't finished yet. On Sunday we celebrate Easter...the day our Rescuer changed the world. Jesus didn't stay in the tomb. Jesus is alive.
He looked at me and tilted his head, squinted his eyes and says, "On Friday Jesus will die?"
"On Friday, we will remember that Jesus died."
"But does He die again?" he asks.
Almost two decades of telling this story and not once has a little one asked the question, "Does he die again?" It set me back a little. I never thought about it. Does. He. Die. Again? For years I've wondered who named this Friday good. To me, it seems there is nothing good about it.
Answering his question suddenly revealed the good, "No He never has to die again...once was all it took."
One death brought one resurrection and the one resurrected still lives today. This puts the good in Friday. Never again will death have to be conquered...never again will sins have to be paid for...never again will we be separated from the Father...never again.
This Wednesday we will celebrate. Join us in our sanctuary at 4:20 where we will worship and celebrate Easter. Each child will receive a special gift. We would love to have you join us!
