Easter Sunday

Commercialism of Holidays DRIVES ME CRAZY. Almost as much as when people scrape their teeth on their forks.

Since when did bunnies and duck replace the fact that our Savior defeated death once and for all?

Don't get me wrong, I love Easter candy. Cadbury eggs? Possibly one of my favorite things EVER. Peeps? How can you go wrong with sugar covered marshmallows? I only eat them when they are stale and chewy though. Reese's eggs? Phenom.

But I think it has gone to far. Russell Stover's has chocolate crosses. I'm sorry. What? It really weirds me out. Like. A lot.

I know this has happened before (remember the Dixie Stampede Nativity Scene incident?) But since being at the Insty this year each holiday has meant so much more to me since learning all I have learned. I find myself reacting (or overreacting) to typical holiday activities.

I will never look at Easter the same again. I have had a good amount of Easters in my time. I know the story inside and out. The difference this year? Knowing and believing the importance of this event. Now in hopes of restoring any respect I have just lost, I know and believe that Christ dying on the cross and raising from the dead is a vital part of the Gospel but it is so different this year. I have seen the places where it all takes place.

Matthew 27:33, And when they came to a place called Golgatha, which means place of the skull

Matthew 27:5960, And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in rock; and rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb and went away.

Matthew 28:6 He is not here, for He is risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.

I have studied the beauty of redemption. I have seen redemption throughout the Old and New Testament. I have seen redemption in my life and the lives of those close to me.

Redemption. What a sweet precious word.

And as He stands in victory,

Sin's curse has lost its grip on me.

For I am His and He is mine,

bought with the precious blood of Christ.

(verse 4 of 'In Christ Alone')

My memory is nearly gone; but I remember two things;

That I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior.

(John Newton)