It's Not About the Lilies

I feel rather quiet this Holy Week. Very contemplative. It’s been just over a year since our country shutdown, due to Covid-19. Last year, for Easter , were all quarantined at home. This year, we’re back in church, but not yet back to “normal.”

Psalm Sunday didn’t come in with it’s usually flair. The children of our church didn’t walk down the aisle, waving their Palm Branches while shouting “Hosanna.”

There’s no in person Bible studies this week, a mini-lesson each day as we head toward Easter. (We’re online instead).

It’s quieter.

There’s no children’s specials planned for this Sunday, or an Easter Cantata planned for the church choir to sing.

The front of the sanctuary isn’t filled with Easter Lilies.

It just doesn’t feel the same.

It reminds me of a book I read to my kids when they were little. It was a Veggie Tales book, where this one character plans out everything for a perfect Easter Sunday, and everything that can go wrong, does go wrong. The choir sings off key, the band that shows up to play is the wrong type of band, the Easter Lilies stink horribly, her hat is ruined. (I don’t remember all the specific facts, but you get the idea).

The whole point of that little cardboard children’s book was that it wasn’t about planning a perfect day, but about who we celebrate on Easter, Jesus. Beautiful sanctuaries, planned out events, elaborate meals, they’re all nice, but they’re not really important. Easter egg hunts, baskets full of new treasures, we all love those aspects of Easter! (I’m a Starburst Jelly Bean girl here!). But it’s never been about such things.

I’ve been feeling out of sorts because this weekend just doesn’t feel “normal.” Isn’t it funny that thinking of an old board book for tiny kids reminded me of such a big truth?

Easter is about Jesus. Holy Week? While it’s usually jam packed full of special Bible Studies and Evening Service, is still Holy Week without those things. Easter Sunday this year will be a quiet one for our family, with just the four of us around the table, but the significance of God’s gift won’t be any less.

And so, my goal for this weekend is to quietly let it sink in. It’s Good Friday, only because Sunday is coming

Will you take some moments this weekend, to simply be still and soak in the truth of Good Friday?

Jesus died for you and for me. In that darkest moment of all, He carried the price for your sins and for mine.

Friday is dark, but Sunday is coming. Sunday makes all the difference, doesn’t it?

Because on Sunday, He rose from the dead.

He is Risen, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Amen.