Easter Traditions

Adam and I started a new tradition when we bought our house 3 years ago.  Every Spring, the week before Easter, we go to our local nursery and he lets me pick some flowers for our yard.  This year I chose  Vincas and miniature Zinnias (in the pic), both flowers that love the sun (perfect for a new yard without any shade) and don't require much water.  Can we say low maintenance?  We have learned that we are out of town way too much in the summer to have finicky plants.  I planted Vincas two years ago and they did really well--proof that they don't require someone with a green thumb--and my mom and I always planted Zinnias during the summer when I was home from college.  Anyway, since Adam is gone all day today to prepare for our church service tonight (we are having a Saturday night Easter service plus two Sunday services to allow for more people), we plan on planting them tomorrow.  

I love this tradition for so many reasons...obviously, I love buying new flowers in the Spring and brightening up our yard when it is struggling to flourish, regaining strength from the past winter cold.  But even more than that, I love planting these new, beautiful, budding plants around Easter because it reminds me of our new life, the life that would be impossible if Christ had not died for us.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come."

2 Corinthians 5:17

Someone told a story the other day that really stuck with me...when he was little, he went with his family to see a 3-hour film about the life of Christ.  Towards the end, as Jesus was about to be crucified, he yelled out "No, don't do it!  He didn't do anything to deserve this!"  His brother grabbed him and said "Shhhhhh...don't you get it?  He HAS to die.  If He doesn't die, what will happen to all of us?"  

How true and profound that such a young boy would grasp the reality of Christ's sacrifice, and the complete necessity of His suffering and death.  I look at these new flowers, flowers that will grow and change over the next season, and I cannot help but think of my ever-changing life in Christ.  Unlike the flowers I chose, I require much water and care...but the greatest Gardener in the world constantly tends to me.  Even when I am wilting, about to give up, there He is, lifting my head and restoring my soul, as He always promises to do.    

There are so many reasons I love my Savior...but one of my favorite things is that the story did not end with His crucifixion.  We celebrate Easter because of His LIFE--because He is risen!  My heart swells every time I read this passage...

"After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.  There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.  His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.  The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here, he has risen, just as he said.  Come and see the place where he lay.  Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee.  There you will see him.'  Now I have told you."

Matthew 28:1:-7

Thank you, Jesus, for paying the ultimate price, and then overcoming death!  Truly, you are the Savior sent for us all...the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  I love you.

Happy Easter!