Easter Memories

It was most unusual – a high pitched whistling sound with a droning background.  I lingered between sleep and being awake.   The sound continued but louder, clearer and with a recognized melody.  Just across the road people had gathered around a churchyard cross as a bagpipe played Amazing Grace.  I had awakened to Resurrection morning. 

Another favorite memory was our first Easter morning in Mexico.  We were up before dawn and headed out to the welcoming home of our friends Toby and Marilyn.  There chairs were arranged on the patio beside their pool facing toward the eastern sky.  In the distance Popo silhouetted the gray-blue and peach sky finally giving way to the full sunrise. We sang worship.  It was a remembrance of mercy.

We had our first of many Easter luncheons in 2002.  We felt as though the day often passed us by without significant recognition.  So we decided to keep it simple with sandwiches and load up on friends who would celebrate with us.  It was a beautiful day.  People were spread out through the doublewide.  As I look over the photo album, it remains a special memory.

All these memories pale as we ponder and treasure the main event. 

In the cold, dark, secured tomb lays a deceased figure.  Dried blood from multiple wounds stuck to the clean linen strips that wrapped the body.  Death came three days earlier at the insistence of a frenzied crowd and at the manipulation of religious leaders.  The torturous cursed death on a cross. 

Outside hardened, rugged soldiers were posted to guard against body snatchers.  Inside there is the absolute stillness of a cold lifeless body.  Then without warning…….omnipotent power floods and surges into the limbs and organs bringing energy and life.  There is movement.  Vitality.  Resurrection.  Death has lost its prey and sting.  Jesus lives! 

For this we are very happy!