Easter Joy

Easter is considered the holiest day of the year according to the Christian calendar. It is more holy than Christmas, the day we celebrate Jesus’ birth. For without Easter, without Jesus’ resurrection from the cross where he so cruelly died, our Christian faith is meaningless. There are many ways to understand the reason(s) for his death and resurrection, but regardless of your understanding, something truly earth-shattering happened over 2000 years ago that still reverberates in the world today. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection still draw others to follow Him; to repent, confess sin and change; to commit one’s life to his teachings and example; to struggle to bring about a better world for all people; to be assured of life after death.

This morning during my devotions, I read this brief reflection by Ruben P. Job. I can’t put it any better so am including it here for you: “At this moment, when I write and at the very moment when you read these words, you and I are in the presence of the living Christ. To remember this truth is to be shaped constantly by the presence of God in Christ in our lives. We often forget this central truth of the Christian faith, and when we do, we are easily overcome by the troubles of the world. For me, what I write will pass before the eyes of the One about whom I write. As I write, I hope that my ordinary life and ordinary capacity will be energized, directed, and used by the One who gives me life and has called me to this ministry. If I allow myself to think that this ministry and this project are all up to me, I risk feelings from despair to arrogance. However, if I remember that I am not alone, but think, work, and live in the presence of the living Christ, I remain hopeful that even the most simple and ordinary task carried out in that presence and with the assistance of Jesus Christ is sacred, meaningful, and useful … The risen Christ is with us and therefore we need not fear the events of this day or any day that lies in our future. We know that each day will be lived in companionship with the only One who is able to rescue, redeem, save, keep, and companion us through every experience of this life and the next. This realization does not take away the pain or uncertainty that life holds. But it does give us strength, wisdom, guidance, and most of all, a Companion to travel through each of these experiences with us. Easter Sunday and every Sunday are gentle and yet dramatic reminders that we are not alone or on our own. As followers of Jesus, we walk with God in Christ, and that makes the journey rich in meaning, joy, and peace no matter where it leads. Jesus Christ is alive and reads with you now words that are intended to turn your eyes, heart, and life more fully toward God.” (*see citation below)

When I accepted Jesus into my life over 30 years ago, my life changed. I have been on an amazing journey ever since. Through good times and bad, times of wonderful clarity and times of confusing fog, Jesus helped me through it all. I plan to spend time today and the days ahead, thinking about my faith, about my relationship with Jesus. I invite you to do the same. May the attached photos speak to you as you mull these questions over.

• Who is Jesus to me?
• How does being in the presence of the Living Christ change things?
• What is he calling me to do now, with whatever gifts and limitations I am currently dealing with?

May you be blessed this Easter with joy that comes straight from Jesus!

~ Terri

Photos by Howard Friesen.

*Job, Ruben P. and Norman Shawchuck, eds. 2003. A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God. (Nashville: Upper Room Books. 171-172)