Easter was such a big deal growing up in the South.
Every year, my mom and I would go out in the hunt of a new
Easter dress. The dress would be accompanied by gloves and a hat – usually a
big, floppy type.
Easter morning we would arise early and I would search
throughout the house for my hidden Easter basket which would be filled to the
rim with chocolate and sugar sweets.
Church attendance was a given – like every other Sunday –
followed by a family picnic with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins galore.
In my adult life, with my own children, I loved carrying on
some of those traditions. I especially
loved the sunrise service held at our church each year on Easter. It was also
one of the rare Sundays that our church family would have breakfast together
prior to Sunday school and the morning service.
I remember the music always being so grand on Easter Sunday.
“He has risen! He’s alive!” the choir would sing with
trumpets and stringed instruments matching the pipe organ’s resplendence.
Easter was always just a glorious observation of celebrating
our risen Lord and His victory over sin and death. This day, next to Christmas,
is probably the most important day each year in the life of a Christian.
But when you live in a country where most people have never
even heard the name of Jesus Christ, it is quite a different experience.
Easter morning here is the same as every morning. Our
neighbors are busy going about their daily chores. The kids play in the street.
The dogs lounge in their shady spots.
As we drive to church, there are no flowery crosses in
church lawns. There are no Easter decorations to be seen anywhere. There are no
Easter eggs and no colorful baskets being sold in stores. It’s just the usual
traffic, backed up with horns honking. The monks walk in procession down the
street on their way to the monastery. There is no Easter joy on the people’s
faces or in their hearts, to be sure.
But then, I guess that’s why we’re here.
Our purpose in life is to share the Good News of Christ’s
resurrection with those who are lost in darkness.
Even though they are missing out on the Easter celebrations
now, it is my prayer that one day they will be celebrating around the foot of
His throne in His eternal kingdom.
Over the last five years we have lived overseas, we have
celebrated Easter in various places. We have worshipped with the local church
and in house churches. We have gone to church in other countries. Today we
decided we would attend the international church worship service in this city.
I was quite surprised when we arrived to find the hall
overflowing with people. We even had to bring in plastic chairs to sit on in
the back. I’m not sure if it’s a testament to how many foreigners are now
living/visiting this city or if it’s a sign that His followers are growing in
number in this place.
There was great music and the kids shared a special program.
The only unusual thing was there was no preaching. Yes, you heard me right.
There was no sermon.
I always thought Easter Sunday was the favorite day for
pastors to preach because of the usually expanded crowds and the potential the
share the Resurrection message to all in attendance. But apparently not here…
There were also no pretty Easter dresses or hats. I scoffed
at first when the church’s youth leader asked for our girls to wear their youth
group t-shirts for the Easter program this morning. But when we arrived and
found everyone in jeans or shorts, I realized that it must just be my American
culture expecting people to be dressed up for the service.
We did initiate a new family tradition this year. We held
our own sunrise service on our roof this morning followed by a family breakfast
of grits and eggs. We’re missing the delicious deer sausage our American church
family will be eating with their breakfast, but it was still great
none-the-less. And in some way it made us feel connected with our home church
so far away.
Although I miss my family and I miss my church in America,
mostly I’m thankful I live in a place where I am reminded of the value of
Easter by contrast. Because the people here don’t know about Easter and don’t
celebrate, it makes my own personal celebration even that much more meaningful.
Because we have to be so intentional to make the day special, I’m reminded of
Christ’s intentionality and His purpose for dying on the cross. Despite living
in a place that’s lost and in darkness, we recognize the urgency to share His
story and reflect the light of His victory through His resurrection on this
Easter day.
I challenge you, don’t take Easter for granted.
Don’t merely whiz through the afternoon on a sugar high,
eating chocolate and watching sports.
Don’t rush through your day in its busyness and merriment
without taking time to consider the privilege you have in knowing His truth and
being a recipient of His grace.
Thank God that you were born in a place where you have had
the opportunity to hear about Jesus Christ and to know of His love for you.
Happy Easter!
