It’s a new life

What about Easter (or Resurrection Day, as I like to call it)?

It wasn’t just that our leader was killed. Jesus Christ was God’s Son, and He died to take away our sins. And then: He was raised from the dead – He conquered death, and headed for Heaven. Because of Him and His sacrifice, I will be resurrected to Heaven as well.

And in the meantime, in my life “old things are passed away – all thing become new.” Because “if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature.”

I am not ashamed of this truth. Sometimes I falter in trying to explain it. But it is amazing to live without the weight of guilt and sin. It’s not that I don’t sin (do wrong) anymore – I am far from perfect. But when I do, I can go straight to God in prayer, through Jesus my mediator, and be forgiven.  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” And He gives me strength to do what is right.

One of my favorite hymns for this time of year goes like this:

“Low in the grave He lay, Jesus my Savior, waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord.

Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o’er His foes

He arose a victor from the dark domain and He lives in Heaven with His saints to reign

He arose! He arose! Hallelujah, Christ arose!”

No, I can’t water that down or take away from the importance of this day by adding trite and silly trinkets and traditions to it.  I will wish you all a “Happy Resurrection Day” though.