A Different Easter

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:26-27

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Easter looked a bit different this year. There was no sunrise service on the patio, attended by a stalwart few. There was no breakfast following, with talk of Easter dinner later in the day, or a nap. There was no gathering for coffee before or after worship, no choir singing, no handbells ringing, no scent of Easter lilies. 

  

But it was still Easter. We were still worshiping together, we still watched the sun rise on a spring day that was a bit cold. Like the chipped-ear bunny in the photo below, it was maybe imperfect and not quite right, but it was Easter all the same. We were connected by worship, in our own living rooms and kitchens and bedrooms, connected as we watched the service unfold from the sanctuary where only five were gathered. The celebration of the day was the same: Jesus rose from the grave!

Life over the past month has been that way…different, imperfect (if life can ever be considered perfect), not quite right. Maybe like the bunny below we can put on a brave face and carry on, even though we know life isn’t the way we may want it to be right now.

God is with us, through the uncertainty and worry, through the sadness and grief. Let us take that comfort that He offers.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for being with us today, and give us hope that carries us into tomorrow. Be with us in our doubt, and help us trust that your guiding hand will be with us always. Amen.

Donna Gustafson