My husband and I drove to our oldest daughter’s home in Washington state this week. Her husband had been scheduled for foot surgery, so they asked if we might come and lend a hand. “Of course,” we said. Besides, this is the first Easter weekend we’ve spent with them in years.
In pre-pandemic times, our tradition was to attend church on Good Friday morning. I especially enjoyed it when churches from across the community met to celebrate Jesus together. But things will look different this year. We’ll spend the day at home so our son-in-law can recuperate with his foot elevated, and I’m going to bake a batch of paska for the first time ever.
As for Easter Sunday, time will tell. Perhaps it will be quiet, too, but that’s okay. We can still celebrate Jesus regardless of whether or not we’re with a local congregation. It will look different than in times past, but it can’t change the power of the Easter story and why it matters so much.
If you’re able, make space to meditate on Romans 5:1-2 for a few minutes. It says, “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.”
These verses tell us that all who place their faith in Jesus for salvation experience several life-changing blessings thanks to His sacrificial work on our behalf:
Because Jesus died and rose again, we are made right in God’s sight. We are forgiven and clean. Our filthy spiritual rags have been exchanged for robes of righteousness.
Because Jesus died and rose again, we have peace with God. We are no longer His enemies. Now we are His friends, welcomed into His presence.
Because Jesus died and rose again, we have a place of undeserved privilege before God. We are adopted into His family. We are His ambassadors. We are His dwelling place.
Because Jesus died and rose again, we look forward with confidence and joy to sharing God’s glory someday. My human mind finds it difficult to comprehend the scope of what this means, but I know it’s gonna be good!
How will you spend Easter?
Maybe you’ll be with family; maybe not. Perhaps your life circumstances have recently upended you, and nothing looks the same as last year. Be encouraged. No matter where or how we celebrate, we can do so with hope and joy because of what Jesus did for us two thousand years ago.
Be blessed. Safe travels. Know you are loved. (And leave a comment to tell me how you’ll spend the weekend, okay? Tell us if you have any special traditions!)
#bgbg2
PS: I was privileged to meet Asheritah Ciuciu earlier this year. 
She has compiled fifty ideas for keeping Easter centered on Jesus. Enjoy!
I always appreciate the depth and focus of your writing, Grace. You asked how each of us will be spending Easter weekend. Our daughter’s family has arrived here in Norway to spend the week with us, and we will be worshiping with other English-speaking congregations at a joint service here in the southwest of Norway this weekend. He is risen!
Hi Maggie:
How wonderful that your daughter and her family are with you in Norway! May the presence of God be sensed in a profound way at your joint worship service. Big hugs to you, my friend.
Grace, your messages are always uplifting and reassuring. Thank you for your wonderful posts.
I’ll have a quiet Easter, but a very special one, here with one of daughters who has been redeemed. God is so good.
Happy Easter to you and your family!
Hi Pamela! May Easter with your daughter be extra-special. Know you are loved!