May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17
Easter weekend—
Friday— And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit...
As
evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had
himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’
body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him.Joseph took the
body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,and placed it in his own
new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front
of the entrance to the tomb and went away. Matthew 27:50; 57-60
Saturday—
“Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know
how.” So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the
stone and posting the guard. Matthew 27:65-66
Sunday—
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the
other Mary went to look at the tomb.
There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven
and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was
like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid
of him that they shook and became like dead men.
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.
Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples:
‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you
will see him.’ Now I have told you.” -Matthew 28:1-7
Rejoice in the miracle of Easter! Rejoice in the resurrection! Rejoice in hope!
1 Peter 2: 22-25 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he
suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him
who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the
cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by
his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going
astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of
your souls.
The Easter eggs were plucked from the tufts of grass.
The pink, blue, green, and yellow orbs held a mystery.
Something sweet. Only two of the children in our family were young enough to
seek out the treats, but I got to hide them. Like a child, I scattered them
about the yard and admired the shiny plastic as it sparkled in the sun.
Joys of childhood still thrill my soul, even as I experience
them through my grandchildren.
Albert Einstein said, “Do not grow old, no matter how long
you live. Never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery
into which we were born.”
I stand in awe of the wonder of God’s plan, His creation.
God created everything on this earth. He spoke and the moon
and stars shone. The animals moved and the plants grew.
In the shadow of Easter and the resurrection, give thought
to the One who commands the rain to fall. In His original plan, God created a
perfect garden, then humans came along and destroyed the perfection with sin.
God knew. He always knew He’d have to clean up after us. So, He sent Jesus. The
one sacrifice for all people. The One who showed the disciples how to love the
unlovable. The One who preached sermons that encouraged compassion. The One who
saved my soul.
The eggs are gone, but the power of the resurrection
remains. Have childlike trust in His love and grace.
Choosing to follow Jesus fills my heart with hope.
I'm one of those people who has a hard time watching the news.
The sadness pierces my soul with grief.
But the hope I have in Jesus fills my heart with joy.
One day, I will meet Jesus and be reunited with loved ones
who have gone to heaven.
No sorrow, no tears, no negativity. Only joy!
We'll rejoice with the angels and revel in the light of God.
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” Rev. 5:13
Matthew 28:1-6 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the
week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There
was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from
heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His
appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The
guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 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. Come and see the place where he lay.
His enemies crucified Him on Friday. On Saturday, His
people mourned. On Sunday, Mary Magdelene and Mary witnessed a miracle.
Jesus died on a cross, one of the cruelest punishments of
that time. His enemies tortured Him, spit on Him, and mocked Him. Yet, Jesus
loved them. He longed for them to be part of His kingdom.
I started watching The Chosen this week. Experiencing how
people may have lived, at the time Jesus walked the earth, draws me closer to
understanding the life and love of Jesus. He longed for people to trust Him and
place their hope in His father. The people of that time had waited for the
Messiah to arrive. Some thought he’d wear a crown as royalty, while others pictured
a warrior in uniform. Instead, God sent His son, a humble servant who came to die,
so we can live.
This weekend, as you celebrate Easter, focus on Jesus’
precious gift of life. God’s Son came to earth as part of God’s plan that gives
us a path to heaven, a path I don’t deserve. Yet, Jesus took on our sins, died,
and rose again.
Luke 34:1-8 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the
spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone
rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the
body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two
men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their
fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to
them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he
has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The
Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified
and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Then they remembered his
words.
Sunrise reminds me of the glorious day Jesus defeated death.
When I attended college in Kentucky, they offered a special
Easter sunrise service. That year I stayed on campus, and I looked forward to
the idea of an outdoor time of observance and worship. Early Sunday morning, we
gathered on a hill on campus, sat on the ground, and praised Jesus as the sun rose
on the horizon. The experience has stuck with me all these years as a time to
reflect on Jesus' sacrifice.
Easter, celebrated in the spring when new life sprouts from
the earth, evokes a sense of renewal in me due to the love Jesus has for me. God's
plan to give the life of His own Son for my sins, still blows me away. I don't
deserve God's love or grace, yet He has cleaned my slate of sins with His
blood.
God chose blood for sacrifice and throughout the Old
Testament people presented their finest animals to God. In the New Testament,
Jesus took the place of the animals and gave His life. What I love most is God
breathed life back into Jesus, just as He breaths life back into me through his
mercy and grace. When I seek his mercy, He pours His love over me.
Easter Egg Board Books, illustrated by Emily Emerson
Celebrate Easter with these sweet egg-shaped board books,
perfect for tucking into Easter baskets. The multi-layered cover reveals
illustrations of snuggly spring farm animals—baby chick, baby bunny, and baby
lamb—as you read rhymes about Jesus’ resurrection, the true meaning of Easter,
and all the joys of springtime. Chunky pages are durable and make turning the
pages easy for little hands.
This Easter Egg Board Books, 3 Pack collection
includes Happy Easter, A Prayer for Easter, and Spring Is Here.
Snuggle Time Easter Stories by Glenys Nellist, illustrated
by Cee Biscoe
Snuggle up with your child and share the gift of God’s love
as you read this delightful collection of beautifully-illustrated stories from bestselling
author Glenys Nellist celebrating Easter and the coming of spring.
Spring is almost here––the season of Hope, Joy, and Renewal!
Filled with Glenys’s signature rhymes and adorable
animal illustrated by Cee Biscoe, Snuggle Time Easter Stories uses
simple language to introduce even the youngest readers to the true meaning and
hope of the first Easter, sharing Jesus is alive!
This charming padded board book is the perfect gift to tuck
in your little one’s Easter basket, or their car seat when you take them on the
go, and is also a wonderful bedtime or naptime read.
Bunny Finds Easter by Laura Sassi, illustrated by Ela
Jarzabek
Easter may have many fun traditions, but Bunny wants to
know: “What is Easter?” Little ones can enjoy learning the true meaning of
Easter alongside Bunny, celebrating Jesus and his resurrection with Laura
Sassi’s sweet and rhyming text.
Easter is for coloring eggs, wearing a lovely bonnet,
joining in an egg hunt, and attending church with family! But the most
important thing about this holiest of seasons is to celebrate and focus on
Jesus. Children will be introduced to the meaning of Easter through colorful
illustrations and playful rhymes.
Luke 24:36-39 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and
said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and frightened,
thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled,
and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is
I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you
see I have.”
Luke 24:50-53 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his
hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and
was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to
Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the
temple, praising God.
The disciples grieved Jesus’ death.
The apostles, Mary Magdalene, Jesus’ mother Mary, and
several other followers watched their Lord and Savior die an agonizing death on
the cross. I can’t imagine the heartbreak, especially for his mom. Jesus’ best friends and family witnessed his
torture and his final breath. Even as they mourned, their faith in their Lord
did not waver.
In their hearts they tucked the promise of Jesus’ return.
What they didn’t realize was how soon they’d see him again.
Joseph of Arimathea, took Jesus body to an empty tomb he’d
prepared for himself. After the body was wrapped in cloth, he placed him inside,
then he rolled a stone in front of the opening. After the Sabbath day passed, Mary
Magdalene and the other Mary went to the grave to pour spices over their beloved
friend. An earthquake shook them and an angel appeared propped on the rock he’d
rolled from the tomb. Then the women received the surprise of their lives—Jesus
stood in front of them and greeted them.
Can you imagine?
Jesus keeps his promises. He told his followers he’d raise
from the dead, come back to life, and see them again. Yet, they didn’t
understand. Kind of like us. The Bible teaches us of Jesus return, his second
coming, that will occur so quickly none of us will be expecting him. But Jesus
keeps his promises, and he will come here to take his children home to heaven.
Easter is all about HOPE!
Jesus promises new life. Rejoice in the Lord
this Easter!
Easter Egg Day by Tara Knudson, illustrated by Pauline Siewert It’s time for Easter eggs—yellow, green, blue, and red! In Easter Egg Day, written by Tara Knudson and illustrated by Pauline Siewert, kids will love watching how plain white eggs turn to colorful zig-zags, stripes, and patterns as this board book celebrates the classic Easter family tradition.
'Twas the Morning of Easter by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Elena Selivanova A follow-up to the popular 'Twas the Evening of Christmas from beloved author Glenys Nellist. 'Twas the Morning of Easter tells the story of the resurrection of Jesus in a fresh way, with a familiar rhythm and rhyme that children will love, following the pattern of Clement Moore's iconic "'Twas the Night Before Christmas."
The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story by Mike Berenstain and Jan Berenstain Young readers will understand the real meaning behind Easter in this addition to the Living Lights™ series of Berenstain Bears books. Children will discover that Easter is more than candy and egg hunts as they read about the Bear cubs at Sunday school learning about Jesus’ resurrection and salvation.
He is Risen: Rocks Tell the Story of Easter by Patti Rokus This unique and unforgettable picture book uses rock art and simple text to tell children the story of the miracle of Easter—the resurrection of Jesus. Through the arrangement of a few rocks and powerful words directly from Scripture, the entire Easter story is told in He Is Risen: Rocks Tell the Story of Easter.
These are all delightful books that celebrate Easter. I particularly like He is Risen: Rocks Tell the Story of Easter for its simple, yet powerful format. The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story is a wonderful book to use to teach young children about Jesus, either at home or in Sunday School. The rhyme and rhythm used in Twas the Morning of Easter will entertain and introduce young ones to the morning Mary found Jesus' tomb empty. Easter Egg Day is a sweet book about a family dying eggs and having fun. I received complimentary copies of these books. Opinions expressed in this review are
completely my own.
While they [the disciples] were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood
among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
They were startled and frightened, thinking they
saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you
troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my
feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and
bones, as you see I have.”
When he had said this, he showed them his hands
and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and
amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything
here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he
took it and ate it in their presence.
He said to them, “This
is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be
fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the
Prophets and the Psalms.”
Then he opened their minds so they could
understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This
is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the
third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in
his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. ”
Easter—the
day we remember Jesus' resurrection from the dead.
Prophets spoke of the Messiah, how he would die
and on the third day break the chains of death. The Lord himself taught the
disciples about his purpose on earth. They traveled with him and witnessed
miracles. They heard the Pharisees mock him. Every one of them knew Jesus'
story inside and out. But here they were humming and hawing about the very
truth he showed them.
They thought they saw a ghost.
They'd witnessed Jesus being drug through the
streets and beaten. Yet, the man they loved and missed, the one they'd seen
nailed to a cross, and placed in a tomb, dead as could be—stood in front of
them in full flesh and blood and declared victory over the grave.
Peter's guilty conscious plucked at him because he had cowered and denied he ever knew him.
Thomas shook his head in disbelief. The other disciples stood with their mouths
hanging open. Yet, Jesus didn't give up. He opened their minds to the truth.
In this time of pandemic, stop doubting and open your minds to the
truth and hope of Jesus. The world is a mess. Not just from COVID-19, but from evil and
sin. That's the bad news. The good news is, Jesus opened the doors to hope and
heaven.
Jesus stands with outstretched hands in hopes everyone
will trust in him.
I thank God for the opportunity to worship my
Savior this Easter. Let's sing praises to him from our couches. Lift up prayers
from our living rooms. Search our hearts and accept Jesus as Savior. He
died so we can live, here on earth with purpose and one day with Him in heaven.
"The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed
by hanging him on a cross. God exalted him to his own right hand as
Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive
their sins. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy
Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
Can I say I'm excited? Seriously, EXCITED! Our
mighty God in his miraculous way, breathed life back into his son. Jesus died,
then rose again. That's amazing, and unfathomable. My earthly mind doesn't understand.
For the logical side of my brain, it makes no sense. But guess what, the
resurrection happened.
I'd love to talk to Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary,
the women who saw Jesus alive after they watched him be crucified. Confusion
must have filled their brains, at first. But just imagine the joy that flowed
from their hearts once they understood. Their Lord and Savior lives.
Did I say I'm excited! I am. My Jesus lives. He's
not in a tomb, rotting away. He's not dead. He's alive. Because he lives, I
have hope for a future in heaven. I have the Holy Spirit to guide me. I have
peace amid the strife of this earth. Jesus gave his life for me and for you. He
died and rose again so that the people who follow him will have life after
death. So we can have joy, love, peace and hope.
Easter is more than the bunny. Easter is a
celebration of life. Rejoice with me that Jesus lives!
Luke 24:1-6
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the
spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone
rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the
body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two
men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In
their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men
said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not
here; he has risen!
In mid-March, South Carolina beckoned me. I flew
down to spend a few days with my youngest daughter. I left gray skies and the
possibility of snow in Ohio. On Monday, Hannah and I headed to Falls Park. I
love standing on Liberty Bridge that overlooks the Reedy River and waterfall,
the centerpiece of the park. Along the walkways, tulips and pansies blew in the
breeze. Redbuds bloomed and the grass had greened up. New LIFE surrounded us. And
I loved it! There's something about the freshness of spring that reminds me of
the new life I have in Jesus.
Early in the morning—on the first day of the week,
Mary Magdalene and her friends walked to Jesus' tomb. She expected to find his
body there. Instead she found hope. Amazing, refreshing, exciting new hope! I
can't begin to imagine how Mary's mind must have reeled. "Alive? What do
you mean he's alive?" She had to have asked. Two men in gleaming clothing
stood before her and told her, "He is not here; he has risen!"
Just as Jesus said he would.
He died for our sins. God brought him back to
life...for us! Yes-for all of us! Jesus loves us so much more than we can
fathom.
On this Easter, thank God for his son and the
beautiful grace covered path he paved for us to heaven.
Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the
Lord!” John 20:18
John 19:16-17
Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took
charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of
the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).
In southern Ohio, we've had a taste of winter
again before it blows out of here and welcomes spring. A few snow flurries
sticking to the trees, then gone with the wind. Temperatures that dip enough to
drag out the heavy coat, one more time. But we know at the end of this cold,
grey season—spring arrives with color, brightness and hope. I love winter, but
by this time in the season, I look forward to spring and the beauty that blooms
and flutters.
With the thoughts of new life, I've been pondering
the new life Jesus gives. But like winter, there was a dark time before the
light. Jesus, accused of wrong doing, took up his cross and dragged it through
the streets to the place where he knew he would die. The accusations flung at
Jesus were false, yet he carried his cross. Literally, as he bled from a flogging,
he carried his cross. Along with the heavy wooden burden, he carried our sins.
Yours and mine. He carried the cross for us. Not for himself. He had no sin.
But we do, and he understood he'd be the one sacrificed for us.
For us.
And that's just the beginning of the Easter story.
Jesus sacrifice and pain.
For us.
How could he love us so much? I have a hard time
comprehending his love. But Jesus does love us, enough to suffer this world,
then die in our place. Praise God for his obedient and compassionate son.
Isaiah 53:7
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the
spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone
rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find
the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly
two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In
their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men
said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not
here; he has risen!"
I don't think it's an accident that we celebrate
Easter in the spring, the time of new life.
Two places bring me closer to the Lord than any
other. One is the ocean, the other is the woods. Tim and I hiked through one of
the local wildlife preserves on good Friday. And I couldn't help but think
about Jesus. I spied trillium as blood red as the blood Jesus spilled. White
trillium reminded me of Jesus' forgiveness and how he will make us whiter than
snow. Patches of purple dwarf larkspur wore their royal robes, like those of
the King.
As we walked, the peacefulness of the forest
calmed my busy mind. With worries and stress quieted, the beautiful song "Good,
Good Father" whispered in my ear. At one point I closed my eyes and let
the music fill my head. God is a good, good father and without doubt he loves every
one of his children. So much so that he sent his own son to save us from sin
and offer us the road to heaven.
Spring is the time to rejoice in new life. The
flowers, the greening up of the trees, but most of all the resurrection of
Jesus.
Luke 24:1-6
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the
spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone
rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the
body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this,
suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In
their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men
said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not
here; he has risen!
After the spring plows turned the dirt in the
fields, my family and I would walk the rows searching for arrowheads. While
everyone else in my family seemed to have a knack for finding tips and pieces
of flint tools I wandered off, as most little girls would, to find shiny,
pretty stones. I got especially excited when I found a rock with
"glitter."
But my childish excitement for a sparkly rock diminishes
in comparison to the awe Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome
must have felt the day they found a stone, or should I say "the stone"
rolled away from Jesus' tomb. After witnessing their friend's terrible death on
Friday, they'd gone home and rested on the Sabbath before they'd prepared the
spices needed to anoint Jesus' body. On Sunday morning, they gathered their
supplies and walked to the tomb. The book of Mark reports that the women
wondered who might roll away the huge stone that blocked the entrance to Jesus'
burial place. But when they arrived, WOW! the huge rock had been rolled to the
side of the tomb. And their beloved friend was gone. Not stolen, not placed in
another cave, but gone, of his own volition.
And those angels, those wonderful good-news
bringing, dressed in white angels, shared the fantastic news with those
precious ladies that Jesus had conquered death. Blessed Jesus died a cruel
death so that I might live forever. Then God raised him up and breathed life back
into him. Can you feel the amazement and excitement? I can. Are you overwhelmed
with the mercy and grace Jesus poured out? I am. Praise God for this beautiful
joy-filled reason we celebrate Easter.
