Let's Get Ready to Celebrate

"Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.

The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment." Luke 23:50-56

It feels somber, doesn't it?

Even this morning as I read what happened after Jesus' death, it seemed to sink in. For what may be the first time ever, we are experiencing the solemness of the day after his death. Can you imagine the grief when they woke up that day? Maybe they never even slept. Maybe too grief-stricken, his followers sobbed all night. Maybe by the time dawn broke, reality started to sink in. Today feels a little like what I imagine that day to have felt like.

We aren't rushing off to the stores to fight off crowds and grab last-minute Easter goodies. We aren't bustling around making all the plans for baskets and meals and activities. We aren't hopping from one egg hunt to the next. We're not laying out new Easter outfits and getting the family ready for pictures.

It's another day. Another ordinary day. Another stay-at-home day. Yet there's something about this day that beckons we pay homage to its solemness. In our bustling activities we often lose sight of the cross. In our brand new outfits we usually forget what we're celebrating. In our celebrations we often get carried away; far away from the magnitude of the cross, the crucifixion, the sacrifice, and the grave.

We forget the depth of His love. We lose sight of God's plan. We neglect to realize the supernatural resurrection power.

Don't forget. Don't lose sight. Don't give up hope.

Tomorrow is still Easter regardless of where or how we celebrate. Tomorrow is still the day we come together even in our isolation and join as His Church, His Body, to celebrate our risen Savior. We know it's going to look and feel different, but that doesn't mean it doesn't still bear witness to the greatest Story we could ever tell.

You may be grieving today. It may feel somber, solemn, empty. It may seem like something is missing because it is. We are missing each other, missing our churches, missing our communal gatherings and celebrations. But even in the emptiness and isolation, we can more fully identify in His suffering.

We are His people and while today may not feel like a celebration, tomorrow is coming. Ready or not, let's join together and worship Him. Let our voices rise from our couches and penetrate the walls of our homes. Let His Spirit transcend the confinement we face and unite us as one body, His bride. Let's get ready to worship our risen Lord. Let us embrace one another in virtual accord as we come together to celebrate Easter!

God is not dead, He is surely alive! He's living inside of each of us who have called upon Him to save us from our sins. He dwells in us and among us and He is not dictated by any time, space, restriction, or executive order. He is the Alpha Omega, the First and Last. He is the Lamb who was slain, and the Conqueror of Death. He is the Resurrected King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Let us rejoice and celebrate!