The Wonderful Cross

Sometimes, I just can't put into words what Easter means to me. But I guess I'll try. 

When I begin to reflect on Easter, my mind slips back into hearing and singing beautiful Easter hymns, like, Christ the Lord has Risen Today, The Wonderful Cross. or Christ Arose. It is a privilege to sing those hymns at church or alone, reflecting on what Christ did for every one of us. 

Recently, I went to my local nursery to look at the spring plants. I have been so anxious for spring; this was my second visit in two weeks. The first trip there was on a grey day, and there were few spring plantings. I left disappointed. I returned a week later, and oh, how things had changed upon my second visit! When I walked in, the smell of hyacinths was so fresh and sweet that I thought I might fall over. As I walked through the store, the variety of colors was a symphony to my senses—purple, pink, yellow, and orange. Orchids in extravagant bloom, a sea of pansies filled one end of the place. Hydrangea of white, pink, and lavender was at my feet—Easter baskets filled with yellow daffodils. It gave me such joy and hope, winter was over, and New Life had come.

It's kind of like that. Jesus's death on the cross gave the disciples a feeling of defeat, but joy came when they learned of his resurrection! 

Thank goodness we have a Savior, Jesus Christ, not just on Easter day but every day. If we believe in this resurrection power, in new life after death, we will live again, and after death, we will live in full color, in full bloom, as the most beautiful version of ourselves. There will be no more grey winter of our souls. 

There is reason to celebrate. It is Eastertime again!

Photo by Thanti Riess