Easter 2009

We had a picture perfect Easter weekend. There was gorgeous Spring weather, quality couple time, fun family time, delicious brunch, cute coordinating outfits, scrumptious chocolate treats, and a yummy sushi dinner as we watched an exciting playoff to the Masters this evening. Yet, I am keenly aware that my lasting memory of this day will be our morning worship experience at Buckhead Church.

This was the most meaningful Easter service I can remember attending. The focus was squarely and entirely on the cross and the the TRUTH of Jesus' resurrection. The focal point of the service was a cross that was covered in polaroid pictures of church attendees--what a poignant reminder of why Jesus stayed on that cross. We sang about it. We focused on it. We praised God for it.

I am not slamming the 'fun' parts of Easter--we thoroughly enjoyed those too! But may we never lose sight of the fact that Easter was not intended to be about candy and bunnies and Spring. It is a religious holiday about one thing: Jesus resurrected.

And this song? It means more to me today than 21 years ago when I tearfully walked the aisle of First Baptist Columbus.

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died;
my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ, my God;

all the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to his blood.

See, from his head, his hands, his feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down.

Did e'er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown.

Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small;

love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.

Oh, the wonderful Cross bids me come and die and find that I can truly live!
~Isaac Watts

May these words never lose their meaning in our lives!

Oh, praise the One who paid my debt, who raised this life up from the dead: Jesus.

~Alex Nifong

HAPPY EASTER!