Happy Easter! I know you're probably thinking -- Bruh, you late! I know. It is now Thursday and Easter Day was this past Sunday. Incidentally, did you know that Easter 2011 was the latest that it can ever be on a calendar? I had a friend ask me why didn't the "calendar man" just make Easter one set day like say December 25th? Unlike Christmas, Easter does not work like that, because its a holiday that is celebrated based on the moon cycle and other factors.
One of the things I love about the Episcopal Church is that we celebrate things in seasons. We observe the Christmas season right on up through the Epiphany and we will do the same with Easter as we transition into the season of Pentecost. Again I say to you, Happy Festival of the Resurrection! Easter is the very essence of Christianity. Our faith compels us to believe that Jesus Christ, the incarnate deity dwelt among us, lived as one of us and did not sin, was crucified, and resurrected from the dead. Yeah -- you gotta have some faith to not only believe, but accept that at face value.
All week long, the song "Because he lives" has been in my conscious. I've been bopping my head to it, humming it at work while people are annoying me, and belting it in the shower. Jesus died that you might live and because he got up, you can get up. So, now that you've gotten up, what are you going to do for the kingdom? How are you going to share his message of love and inclusivity? Check out this verse from "Because he lives" I really think that Bill Gaither was on to something.
God sent his son. They called him Jesus.
He came to love, heal and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon.
An empty grave is there to prove my savior lives.
Because he lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because he lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know -- he holds the future.
And life is worth the living just because he lives.
As a child when we would sing this in church, it really didn't have too much personal meaning or significance to me. However, as an adult who has learned a few lessons and gotten a terminal degree from the University of Life, I can honestly say that this song he really gotten me through some tough times. Friends, the tomb is empty and our savior lives! You can face tomorrow and all its obstacles. Your tomorrow may be unemployment, challenged finances, drama with the significant other and family, trouble at work, poor health, bitterness and resentment from others. One of the things my grandmother used to say to me is "I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future." Think on the fact that even through everything that you've been through, you are still here. You live, because He lives and he has preserved you for such a time as this to manifest his glory. Alleluia, the Lord is risen indeed! Happy Easter!
Peace,
Karsten
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