Happy Easter!

 

As I sit and write this note, Holy Week has just started. Echoes of "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord" are still ringing in my ears. Palm branches have bee waved, we've raised our voices in song -- preparing the royal highway and praising God for all the promise, hope, and gifts bestowed on us. Hearing Christ's passion according to the gospel of Mark, really helped get me into a Holy Week mindset. Although it's a hard week--when we will be reminded that Jesus endured betrayal and suffering--it is also a wonderful week. Because it is also a week where we are reminded of the expansiveness of God's love and are connected to the God's church across space and time.

 

Easter has been formally celebrated since the 2nd century, although commemorations or observations honoring Jesus' Resurrection most likely occurred even earlier. Believers around the world, across centuries, have marked the day worship, feasts, fellowship, fun, and joy. This year will be/was no different. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we proclaim and confess a belief that has been handed down for generations and has been uttered in hundreds of languages:"Alleuluia! Chirst is Risen! Christ is Risen Iindeed! Alleluia!" 

 

This central belief of Christ crucified and risen continues to stir in the hearts of those alive today. Empowered by the Holy Spirit we answer God's call to proclaim this through word and deed as we live and serve in the world around us. We continue to pass down the story and traditions that keep this message alive and in our hearts.

 

So in honor of passing down traditions, I thought it would be fun to share a couple of activities that my family did while I was growing. One is even tasty! I would love to hear some of your traditions too!

 

Alleuluia! -- Pastor Lucy