| Sunny Side Up March 31, 2004 �2004, Kathleen Gibson Eight Days to an Easter Spirit What, Easter already? I was away too long, I think. I feel as though I've missed a whole season. My Christmas tree is still standing in my living room! I may never have time to take it down. Perhaps I'll do what I saw in Christian churches in India. They're decorated for both holidays, year round! Christmas tinsel surrounds the Easter cross. Bamboo and steel beams are perpetually strung with garlands. Well, why not? After all, the Easter cross proves the Christmas cradle! Without Jesus' death and resurrection, the baby in the manger would have been merely another Messiah wanna-be. I long to renew my Easter heart this year, feel again the wonder of my own spiritual resurrection. Come along with me�. If possible, attend a passion play or Mel Gibson's movie, 'The Passion'. Then, from Palm Sunday onward, read the Easter story each day. Picture yourself as a disciple. Follow Jesus as he enters Jerusalem on that donkey colt, his dangling toes etching lines in the dust. Keep following�.all the way to the cross and beyond. Monday: A relationship with the living, resurrected Christ softens and changes us. Bring a willow twig indoors and place it in water. In this new climate, it comes to life. Buds soon follow. What an exquisite reminder of resurrection power in our own lives! Tuesday: Assemble an 'Easter jar' as a permanent reminder of Easter's true meaning. Here's what's in ours: A silver nickel, several nails, a thorn, a small wooden cross, a wee lamb made with cotton and black paper, a tiny pouch of spices, a stone, a small black construction paper box (empty tomb), and a miniscule angel. Wednesday: Contact and thank those who've encouraged you in your faith. It will encourage theirs. Thursday: Enter the upper room with Jesus. Feel his hands cradle your feet as he washes the dust away. Find someone to serve like that today. Good Friday: Apparently Mel Gibson appeared only once in his own movie: his hands held the spike that nailed Jesus to the cross. So too, mine. Attend a Good Friday service and consider. Write out what the cross and the events of Easter mean to you. Ask the next person you see wearing one if it symbolizes anything to them. If they say it's only decoration, ask for permission to tell them your story. Saturday: Take a cemetery walk. Though you won't help but feel the sorrow spent there, focus on joy. Death should hold no fear for Jesus' followers. It's merely heaven's doorway; the grave the peg outside for hanging our old coat. That's news we shouldn't be afraid to share. Do you know someone who needs to hear? Easter Sunday: He is risen! Celebrate! Set the tone for the day by worshiping at sunrise. After church, have a potluck 'resurrection celebration' at your home. Ask others to bring food and a personal story of Easter renewal. As you share the meal, exchange stories. This year, enter Easter. Easter will enter you. You can respond to this column at [email protected] |
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