I have always loved this time of year. Growing up in a Christian home Easter has always meant more than baskets and hunting eggs. It is about Jesus the one who came and died and rose again. My mom would always take me and my sister shopping to get us a pretty dress with matching shoes and purse. A tradition that continues to this day.
I remember another tradition was getting up extra early for sunrise service. At the time I remember complaining about having to get up so early, but looking back now I'm so glad we did. We would go to a field and stand listening to my dads sermon. As he spoke I remember the beauty of the sun through a haze and the dew on the grass that would get on my feet. Being Easter it was the first time we would wear sandals because back then you didn't wear sandals until after Easter. At the time the memories we were making didn't mean as much to me as they do now. Looking back I remember those memories and Thank God for how I was raised. Just the thoughts of my dads words,
"He is not here: for He is risen, as He said.
Come, see the place where the Lord lay."
(Matt 28:6)
and the view of the sun in a haze with the dew on the ground brings so many emotions to me. The picture God painted for me as a child has always stayed with me. He created the sun in the haze that day which made me think about what it would have been like to be Mary in the garden talking to the angel and the dew on the ground like maybe tears that were shed in excitement that day that would leave a forever impression on this little girl. The happiness of having memories like that with my family are such a blessing.
I love the hymn below. Just read these words and let them sink in....
"How Deep The Father's Love For Us"
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss-
The Father turns his face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life-
I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart-
His wounds have paid my ransom.
HIS WOUNDS HAVE PAID MY RANSOM.
