Easter's personal dimension ...br...
Illustration
Easter's personal dimension ...
It had been a good day. The sun shone with warmth on the many who had come to worship that Easter morning. The breakfast served by the Confirmation class and their fathers had been a real success. The choir sang beautifully, and the pastor delivered his sermon with confidence.
But this pastor was not prepared for what happened at the Communion table that morning. Earnestly trying to vary the words of his blessing to each of the children who accompanied their parents, I was greeted by one of the children in a loud, clear voice, "Happy Easter, Pastor," she said. Needless to say, the whole congregation was caught up in the spirit of her joy. So personal was her message to me, Easter will always mean more to me.
When Mary was in the garden outside the tomb, Jesus called her by name. This resurrection will speak to your sorrow, your grief, Mary. Now go to my brethren and say to them ... One can well imagine how Mary would have to address each doubting disciple personally and try to convince them of the news. Peter ... Jesus is risen; James, you must believe me; John, "I have seen the Lord." (John 20:18)
Happy Easter, Pastor; this day is for you, too. What prompted this little girl to speak this message? I can only assume that I was someone she loved and cared for. Perhaps she saw in me that day something that no one else had seen. I, too, needed to hear that the gospel was for me.
It had been a good day. The sun shone with warmth on the many who had come to worship that Easter morning. The breakfast served by the Confirmation class and their fathers had been a real success. The choir sang beautifully, and the pastor delivered his sermon with confidence.
But this pastor was not prepared for what happened at the Communion table that morning. Earnestly trying to vary the words of his blessing to each of the children who accompanied their parents, I was greeted by one of the children in a loud, clear voice, "Happy Easter, Pastor," she said. Needless to say, the whole congregation was caught up in the spirit of her joy. So personal was her message to me, Easter will always mean more to me.
When Mary was in the garden outside the tomb, Jesus called her by name. This resurrection will speak to your sorrow, your grief, Mary. Now go to my brethren and say to them ... One can well imagine how Mary would have to address each doubting disciple personally and try to convince them of the news. Peter ... Jesus is risen; James, you must believe me; John, "I have seen the Lord." (John 20:18)
Happy Easter, Pastor; this day is for you, too. What prompted this little girl to speak this message? I can only assume that I was someone she loved and cared for. Perhaps she saw in me that day something that no one else had seen. I, too, needed to hear that the gospel was for me.
