Because of Easter

What makes holidays special to you? Perhaps it’s the delicious food, family and friends that surround your table, or all the lovely decor that brightens your home. Maybe it’s seeing the holidays through the younger eyes of your children or grandchildren as they wear their new Easter outfits and hop around finding colored eggs. It’s usually something that makes you smile that makes a holiday special. 

Easter has always been my favorite holiday because it’s truly the foundation of my faith. Without Easter, Christmas is just another holiday. Because of Easter and the resurrection, we have hope and can face whatever tomorrow may bring. Yet this Easter feels so somber as I consider all the pain and loss that have occurred this past March. Nashville has been through some very dark, painful days; sometimes it’s hard to be happy with so much sorrow surrounding us. 

Recently a sweet customer gave me her email; part of her email address had Job 1925 in it–referring to the Bible verse Job 19:25 that says, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand on the earth.” It's a favorite verse of hers and usually leads to her sharing the meaning behind it. I was blessed to talk to her and share our love for God’s Word and the meaning of that verse. Even in the darkest of times, this verse rings true and gives us great hope.

As I think of all we've been through, the only way I can get through difficult times is seeing them through the backdrop of Easter, the cross, and the resurrection. I'm reminded of the song,

God still brings beauty from ashes, joy instead of sorrow, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. (Isaiah 61:3) Sometimes I just don't understand how or when that will happen. I do know, however, that our Redeemer lives, and it’s because of the sorrow of Good Friday that our hearts can rejoice on Easter. I pray you may know peace and joy this Easter because of the resurrection. 

You are loved,

Joy