I’ve had several conversations, texts messages, and emails with concerns about Easter. One person suggested that parents shop now for Easter Baskets and all the items to put into them since they might not be able to find them in the stores. Others have said in worried voices, “what if we can’t have Easter?”
Yikes! What if it is always Lent, and never Easter, to steal a phrase from C. S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe? It is common practice with some churches to not use the word, “Alleluia” during Lent, saving that blessed word for Easter morning. In this Lenten season in the year of COVID 19, as we adjust to new limitations almost daily, and live with so many unknowns and anxieties, “alleluia” might not be the first word that comes to mind!
As a follower of Jesus, I am reminded that Easter Sunday happened almost 2000 years ago when Jesus was resurrected, and it continues to happen today and every day. The apostle Paul wrote about the reality of resurrection in 1 Cor. 15. You might want to pull out your Bible and read the whole chapter today, as a reminder that “death has been swallowed up in victory.” (1 Cor. 15:55)
This is our first spring in Woodstock, and I see little tiny signs of life springing up from death, of resurrection, everywhere, from the little tiny grape hyacinth that have suddenly appeared in front of the house, to the lone yellow tulip that has sprouted next to the shed.
I think I’m going to dig out a small basket, label it, “Alleluia,” and place it on my kitchen counter. I’ll put a little note or object in the basket about one of those signs I’ve noticed each day. I’m going to keep filling it until we can all worship together in person once again! Maybe you will as well. How cool would it be if we offer those “alleluia” baskets on our first Sunday back?
With hope,
Pastor Anne
