By: Jessie Yount

I cherish spring time.  There is something so sweet about this time of year – watching the way God has created the earth to replenish itself each year.  Just this morning, my inner voice shouted “Look at all that green!”  The sight of a field filled with new grass; barren trees sporting budding leaves; birds resuming their songs – it’s incredible.  Each year, He is faithful to renew.

Part of the reason spring is so fascinating is because it follows winter – a season of sleep and stillness.  Long months spent in coldness and decaying leaves.  Would spring be as joyful if it followed summer?

So it is with Easter morning.  The significance and celebration on Sunday stem from what Christ has overcome.  The dark prayerful hours spent in Gethsemane, his flogging and mocking.  His crucifixion.  Our Lord was killed so that He could rise as our Savior.  He chose to be separated from God – the penalty for our sin – so that we can be called sons and daughters of God.

Praise God He is no longer on that cross and no longer in the tomb.  “He is not here; He has Risen!”  His resurrection on that Sunday, His defeat of death, means we can spend eternity in the presence of the most holy God.

But we must remember what Sunday follows.  Jesus tells us to.  In Luke 22, during His last meal with His disciples, Jesus “took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’”

Take time to reflect on the emotional last hours of Jesus’ life.  Read the historical accounts in scripture.

Understanding more fully the agonizing obedience Jesus displayed can only lead to greater joy in accepting the undeserved grace of the cross.

Remember what happened on that Friday more than two thousand years ago.  And then – in its proper season – celebrate Easter Sunday.

 If you are in the Cape Girardeau area, we invite you to the Journey to the Cross.  The Journey to the Cross is an interactive, multisensory, meditative experience designed to guide you toward a deeper understanding of the death and resurrection of Christ and the life changing message of the cross.  The eight “Experience Stations” focus on Christ’s love and forgiveness as each station highlights an event or principle surrounding Easter. This free Easter Experience will be set up in The Chapel gym and will be open from 5:00-7:00pm on Good Friday and 30 minutes before and after the 9:00 & 10:30 services on Easter Sunday.