Easter Is ...

To me Easter is so much more than dying eggs, hunting eggs, seeing the Easter Bunny and getting a visit from him on that Sunday morning and spending time with family ... however; those are the things we do each year to make it fun and exciting.

To me Easter is about the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  It is when Jesus died for our sins.  He did it because he loved us that much.  "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13.  It's just so amazing to think about.  Jesus was beaten and hung on a cross for our transgressions.  He did all of this for me ... for you ... for everyone.  Yet, are we giving enough back to Him?  I often wonder if I'm doing enough to show my appreciation.  

So on to talking about our Easter.  It was a good one.  The day before my husband took the kids to an egg hunt at our local community center.  I had a doctor appointment and couldn't attend.  Then our neighbors invited the kids to a little egg hunt they set up in their own backyard.  We also dyed eggs that day too ... our tradition, of course.  The next day was Easter.  We went to my father-in-law's church.  We regularly attend a different church but my father-in-law invited us along to his service.  My kids are used to going to Sunday School during the service at our church where they can run around and play.  So having to sit still for the entire hour was a challenge, especially for the three year old.  Once she spotted where the toy room was it was all over for her.  That's where she wanted to be.  After the service they had an egg hunt set up.  The kids had fun.  Then we headed home for lunch and then went to my parents' house where my oldest sister and her family were visiting.  We all had a ham dinner prepared by my sister.  I brought along dessert.  It was a great day spent with loved ones.

But we never fail to teach our kids the reason why we celebrate Easter.

Matthew 28:1-10
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."
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."