The Significance of Easter

I am realizing how few people really understand why Caleb and I would decide to have a quick engagement, so that we could get married on Easter morning.  To me, there could have been nothing more beautiful, nothing more symbolic, than partaking in communion, celebrating what Jesus did for us as we started our life together. 

I think that is because I am realizing how few people understand the importance and significance of what Easter really means.  But to me, there could not be a more significant or important holiday.  Easter, in my eyes, is the holiday of all holidays here on earth.

It is because of what Easter symbolizes that gives me all that I hope in.

To many people, Easter is a day that we get dressed up and go to church.  Some of us, when we were little, had little girly bonnets we would wear, or even gloves!  Some know it is a day that many go to church and that it celebrates Jesus raising from the dead.  But for many it ends there, leaving many questions unanswered.

So, as Easter approaches again this year, I am stopping and contemplating once again all it means to me....and in reality it brings me to joyful, thankful tears.  Because, as I just said, Easter symbolizes what all my hope is invested in.

Jesus, God Himself, became man.  I cannot even comprehend that concept.  Throughout all of history, man was reaching and striving as he tried to earn his way to God.  But it took God coming down to us, for us to have perfect relationship with Him.  It's all about Him, and not about what we have done.

And He died.  For me.

Many of us have seen the movie called "The Passion of the Christ."  I remember the first time I saw it being struck by the scene in the garden.  Jesus was in agony, knowing that He was going to die and take on the sins of mankind.  My sins.  And it was during that point that Jesus Himself, who had never sinned, took on the sins and punishment of the world.  For all of time, all of mankind has feared the wrath of God.  And Jesus not only suffered physical harm, but He took on the wrath of God, which is even more terrifying.  He took on mankind's biggest fear on Himself.   I just can't comprehend that.

And it was all because He loves me.

But Jesus did not stay dead.  Just as prophesied, on the third day He conquered death by raising from the dead, the punishment for my sin complete.  Scripture says that the wages of sin is death.  But it also says the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.  Jesus rose from the dead, conquering death, providing a way for me to never have to face spiritual death and separation from God for eternity. 

Which brings me to what Easter symbolizes to me this year.  Resurrection.  My mom's gravestone says "Born Twice, Died Once."  Sure her body may have died many years ago, but her soul never died.  She went from this life, into the next.  And she is in the presence of Jesus Himself, who rose from the dead many many years ago.  This Easter, I am thankful for the hope of eternal life, in Heaven, with those I have loved because Jesus died and rose again.

In rising again, Jesus shows me that he is the Ressurector.  He brings to life the things that are dead.  I think of many of my friends who have broken marriages and relationships.  Or things in their hears that have just died.  God can breathe life into those things.  And that gives us hope.  It gives us a deep hope that is beyond ourselves, and beyond our control over things.  He works behind the scenes of our life, bringing life, when we let Him.

I know that earlier this year, I laid in bed, overwhelmed by the struggles we were facing.  I remember thinking, "I never expected to have so many health problems and fears my first year of marriage."  But then as I laid there praying I realized "Why not?"  We live in a fallen world.  And in all of this life, there will be blessings and there will be trials...and most of the time they will probably be simultaneous.  It is only in Heaven than the effects of sin in this world will be done away with.  (ie, sickness, disease, broken relationships, death, etc.)  And it is because Jesus rose from the dead that we are provided a way to live eternally, free from the consequences of sin, through faith in Him!

And because He rose again, I know He is alive in Heaven.  And He promised to come back and take me with Him.  I am going to leave this broken, sin-filled world and go spend eternity with JESUS!  Ahhh!! That is just so amazing!  The One I have been talking to as I pray, and Who has been been my side all these years, I am going to see face-to-face!  And His resurrection proves that!

And guess what we will do when we see Him?!  Have a wedding!  :)  There is a wedding feast in the works, in Heaven, that is awaiting us!  All of life points to that day.  And my life here on earth is just temporary.  Heaven is eternal.  And we could have thought of nothing more appropriate than that to remember these truths, as Caleb and I started our marriage.  Jesus is our main love.  We each have second place. 

Lastly, there is a song that I have been listening to on repeat for the week.  It is officially my Easter song of 2011.  It is by a group called Casting Crowns, and it is called "Glorious Day."  I pray this year I cling to the truth of these words.

One day when Heaven was filled with His praises
One day when sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin
Dwelt among men, my example is He
Word became flesh and the light shined among us
His glory revealed

Living, He loved me
Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day

One day they led Him up Calvary’s mountain
One day they nailed Him to die on a tree
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He
Hands that healed nations, stretched out on a tree
And took the nails for me

One day the grave could conceal Him no longer
One day the stone rolled away from the door
Then He arose, over death He had conquered
Now He’s ascended, my Lord evermore
Death could not hold Him, the grave could not keep Him
From rising again

One day the trumpet will sound for His coming
One day the skies with His glories will shine
Wonderful day, my Beloved One, bringing
My Savior, Jesus, is mine