Decorative bunnies and baskets are everywhere in the stores this time of year. In fact, I had a hard time finding any religious Easter decorations. The above picture was at one of my favorite stores as I was looking for a “He Is Risen” sign or cross shaped decor for my front door. I am sad to say it took several shopping trips to find something for Easter rather than just Spring.
When there is even a hint of Spring, those of us in Central New York go a little crazy preparing for the excitement of warmer days and no snow. Of course, with the change of seasons is the glorious holiday of Easter Sunday.
There are two times a year that most people go to church, Christmas and Easter. Christmas was the beginning of Jesus on earth when He was miraculously born of a virgin and Easter was the resurrection proving He was truly God the Son. But why did Jesus have to die? Was it really necessary? The Bible tells us in Romans 6:23
When Jesus Christ died on the cross HE took the punishment for our sins. He stretched out His arms willingly on that cross and demonstrated how much He loves us. When Jesus rose from the dead three days later it was a celebration of forgiveness for all who will call on the name of Jesus Christ. These are the words of Jesus:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 NIV
A dear friend of mine had been struggling with her faith and finances for many years. Just recently, she told me how a very large bill was miraculously paid in full in a most unusual manner. There was no doubt this was definitely an answer to her prayers. She was filled with thanksgiving and said “Jesus does love me!”
In the same way, we have a very large debt of sin that we can never pay off on our own. It is by the grace of God that our sin debt was paid in full when Jesus died on the cross for you and me. It is up to us to accept this wonderful gift of salvation and to live our lives for Him. It is only then that we can truly experience the joy of Easter.
Transparent Christianity 