The Easter celebration at our house was so typical of so many families. But there were a few things that were very different that I would like to share. But first, let me introduce you to the season.

Lent is a penitential season in which Christians review their lives and try to prepare once again for the Passion of Jesus Christ.  Holy week begins with Palm Sunday and culminates with the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus.

 
Holy Week has various major parts :
Maundy Thursday: From the word mandate, the name Maundy Thursday comes and is derived from the commemoration of the Eucharist.  It is also the day that Jesus washed the feet of his apostles.  In this He demonstrated two things: the need for humility to others and before others.
Good Friday: The day of the crucifixion. On this day, many review the Stations of the Cross. 
Holy Saturday: The day that Jesus descended to hell(the place of lost souls) and preached to all the souls who had died before him.

Easter: The day that Jesus overcame sin, death and the world and rose from the dead.  We celebrate the Risen Christ. 		 
  It is a wonderful celebration and as such there are many activities. Many children are baptized on Easter. Some are confirmed into the church. This means that families get together that have not seen each other for a long time. All kinds of celebrations take place. Many people rush to the stores to buy new clothing to wear to church. It is this very thing that is the base the following story.

When I was a child, Mother told me a story that I have never forgotten.   Mother was in high school at the time.  The year was 1932.  She had been talking with some friends about Easter Sunday services at her church.  A young girl, who had been listening, said that she would like to go with her to Easter Sunday services at her church. Mother, of course, said that she was more that welcome to go with her but the girl replied that she had no new clothes to wear.  Mother, not missing a beat said, "I am just going to wear anything new.  In fact, I am going to wear what I have on right now."  Now mother was wearing a school dress at the time so it was hardly anything like an "Easter dress". The girl looked at Mother and said "Can I sit with you?" Mother replied, "Of course, we would love for you to sit with us."  Well, the young lady went to church with Mother that Easter and later became a member of the church.  I understand that she is still a member.

From that day forward, Mother never wore a new dress on Easter Sunday. She felt that if something that small would keep people away from church she wanted to be no part of it. She wanted to bring people into the church to worship and she wanted to teach us to do the same.

So many trivial things keep people out of our churches and only you and I can change that. Our Lord wanted all souls to follow Him.  Sometimes we let things muddy the water so that we can not see what is important.

Let us examine our hearts and lives to see if we are doing anything to discourage people from coming to worship..

The important thing is that we go and worship and with renewed heart,  live our lives following the Risen Christ.

Hail Thee Festival King!!
     
     



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