Easter Is Packed with Emotion

I am writing this on Palm Sunday which is the official start of Holy Week or Passion Week. Palm Sunday recalls Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem where He was greeted by multitudes of people waving palm branches and calling out "Hosanna." From this celebratory emotion at the beginning of the week, the mood would shift to one of anger as the cry became "Crucify Him." Pressured by the crowd, Pilate would sentence Jesus to death by means of crucifixion. On Good Friday, Jesus would die and be buried in a borrowed tomb. Supporters hid in fear and were filled with sorrow; enemies celebrated that they were finally rid of Jesus. On Sunday morning word began to spread that Jesus was alive; He had been resurrected from the dead. Supporters celebrated once again; enemies slumped in despondency and disbelief.

How will you approach Easter this year? The emotions we display regarding Easter are reflective of our personal attitudes toward Jesus. The following list of emotions and actions related to Easter reflect a variety of personal attitudes about Easter and Jesus. I will only list them. How would you categorize each one as a positive, negative, or neutral attitude toward Easter and Jesus?

• A community Easter Egg Hunt for the children of the neighborhood.

• A church Easter Egg Hunt for the children of the church.

• An Easter basket for your children or grandchildren.

• A church choir music presentation on Easter.

• Decorating an outdoor setting in honor of spring.

• A new outfit (for any and all family members) for Easter Sunday.

• A reservation for the Easter brunch or buffet at an exclusive restaurant.

• A new Bible for each of the children in your family.

• Attending worship as a family on Easter Sunday.

• An outing to see all the flowers and leaves of spring on Easter.

• Nothing special on Easter because it is only a myth.

• Being overwhelmed by tears at the thought of Jesus' crucifixion.

• Not wanting to go to church on Easter because it will be too crowded.

• Feeling renewed by the message of word and music on Easter Sunday.

• Hoping the church service is short so your family can find a table at the restaurant.

• Inviting a neighbor, a friend, a co-worker, a family member or a classmate to go to church with you on Easter.

There are many ways that people approach Easter either in celebration of the resurrection of Jesus and what He means to one personally or wonder what the big deal is that churches give it so much emphasis. If we are not careful, we become more concerned about how other people approach Easter than being aware of how we are approaching Easter.

As a young child, Easter to me was about finding the eggs that were magically hidden in our yard or in our house (depending on the weather) by the mythical Easter Bunny. Then it was time to put on our new Easter clothes and go to church. It was a few years later that I realized that what Jesus had done through His crucifixion, burial, and resurrection could and did make a total difference in my life. Today as a mature (or at least older) adult, my emotions run deep as I give thanks for the sacrificial death of Jesus in my behalf and the joy that is overwhelming at the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus.

While I cannot instruct you as to how you should celebrate Easter, I pray that your celebration centers around the reality of knowing Jesus as your Savior and Lord. This week is a perfect time to give thanks to Him for all that He has done and is doing in your life. From the celebration of the triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the sorrow and pain of the crucifixion to the rejoicing that comes with the resurrection of Jesus, may our emotions reflect the love and thankfulness we have for Jesus, the Son of God, the Messiah, the Savior and Lord of all, and the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

"Up from the grave He arose,

With a mighty triumph o'er His foes.

He arose the victor from the dark domain,

and He lives forever with His saints to reign.

He arose!

He arose!

Hallelujah, Christ arose!"