When the four walls of the church building cradle empty silence,
and the rafters do not ring with triumphant resurrection songs…
When there are no men laughing while flipping pancakes early in the kitchen,
and there are no white lilies on the altar,
When the Easter dresses hang forgotten in the closets,
and the day’s schedule is starkly empty of plans for egg hunts or big family gatherings…
When the only choir is virtual,
and dinner is a ham bought with a mask on your face,
and it’s just you,
and a message playing on a screen…
It’s okay.
Because even when the news is ominous,
and the internet is spewing conspiracy theories,
and people with high-strung emotions are swearing their opinions and reporting their neighbors and panic-hoarding their groceries,
and politicians argue ceaselessly over bills and numbers and medical supplies,
and hospitals are putting people in tents,
and the world is reeling in fear and uncertainty,
and upholding cherished traditions of celebration are impossible or limited,
and we feel stripped of fellowship and freedom…
the Church yet rejoices, collectively triumphant in spirit.
Around the world,
in our hearts,
at peace,
now especially, and all the more so,
because the essential thing that unites us has not changed—
He’s still risen!
Hallelujah!
“But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said!” (Matthew 28:5-6)
Click here if you want to “join” me and my family to celebrate!
Winter is well suited for contemplation. Spring, I’m reminded lately, is not. Spring is, rather, for living in the moment, moving constantly from the enjoyment of one beautiful, wonderful thing to the next, trying not to dwell on the fact that you’re probably still missing something wonderful. Nothing sits still, lingers or waits for you. There is a great tension of panic and excitement that wells up inside of me at the recognition of this. I feel a little like my children, oh so impatient to be done with phonics and math, oh so eager to run outside and not miss a single glorious day of this fleeting season.
“How good it is to sing praises to our God, 
how pleasant and lovely to praise Him!
Great is our Lord, and mighty in power;
His understanding has no limit.
Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; 
make music on the harp to our God, 
who covers the sky with clouds,
who prepares rain for the earth,
who makes grass to grow on the hills.
He sends forth His command to the earth; His word runs swiftly.
He provides food for the animals,
and for the young ravens when they call.
Hallelujah!”
Rejoicing Hills 