And yet, this bunny visitor, who offers these days such extravagant gifts as $20 DVDs marketed specifically for grass-filled wicker, has really nothing to do with Easter.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. " 1 Peter 1:3
This morning I've marveled that God has orchestrated my regular Bible reading to situate me in Matthew as the celebration of Jesus' death and resurrection draws near. How awesome to read the voice of Jesus. I hang on every word. What did He say to do? How did He live? What were His warnings and instructions? I'm listening...as if I've never read such familiar words before.
As we prepare our hearts for Easter, I have to admit I'm less motivated with each year that passes to fill baskets with chocolate eggs and Peeps. Might I still do that this year? It's possible...for the sake of tradition and old fashioned fun, but it's not where our treasure lies. As we discussed this, one of my sweet daughters (not wanting to do away with our basket tradition all together) suggested we fill them with crosses and things that represent Jesus. I told her I thought that was a great idea! :)
I'm reminded that traditions like Christmas trees and Easter baskets aren't wrong or bad and they can certainly create fond memories that knit hearts to home in nostalgic and childlike ways as the seasons turn and years go by. We just need to remain focused on the true reasons we go to such lengths to celebrate and keep our hearts intently focused on Jesus (the Reason for the seasons).
Just like anything else, for us, it's important to stop and ask ourselves why we do what we do. What's the motive? Where are our heart's priorities? Preparing for Easter is an opportunity to do such things.
“For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only Son,
that whoever believes in him
should not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16
We love music and have some special Easter songs we've focused on lately. I'll share a couple here with versions that are "easier" to watch and hone in on the life impacting lyrics, but also I've been moved by the more graphic video versions of these songs which reflect footage from the film, The Passion of the Christ. They're worth watching as well in preparation for the season we celebrate. The visualization of what Jesus, perfect and sinless, bore on our behalf hurts my heart so much that I can't often watch, but I want to remember...and Easter asks that of me.
(Alive, Natalie Grant)
(Hero, Abandon)
"Who has believed what he has heard from us?
And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
For he grew up before him like a young plant,
and like a root out of dry ground;
he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,
and no beauty that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by men;
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his wounds we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth.
By oppression and judgment he was taken away;
and as for his generation, who considered
that he was cut off out of the land of the living,
stricken for the transgression of my people?
And they made his grave with the wicked
and with a rich man in his death,
although he had done no violence,
and there was no deceit in his mouth.
Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him;
he has put him to grief;
when his soul makes an offering for guilt,
he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;
the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;
by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,
make many to be accounted righteous,
and he shall bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,
because he poured out his soul to death
and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,
and makes intercession for the transgressors."
Isaiah 53
And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
For he grew up before him like a young plant,
and like a root out of dry ground;
he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,
and no beauty that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by men;
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his wounds we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth.
By oppression and judgment he was taken away;
and as for his generation, who considered
that he was cut off out of the land of the living,
stricken for the transgression of my people?
And they made his grave with the wicked
and with a rich man in his death,
although he had done no violence,
and there was no deceit in his mouth.
Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him;
he has put him to grief;
when his soul makes an offering for guilt,
he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;
the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;
by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,
make many to be accounted righteous,
and he shall bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,
because he poured out his soul to death
and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,
and makes intercession for the transgressors."
Isaiah 53
