A Moment With Pastor Fred

Happy Easter! Probably more appropriate is the early church’s greeting on this day. The worship leader would say, “Christ the Lord is risen!” and the congregation would respond, “He is risen indeed! This tradition continues – be ready!

The Barna Group explored Americans’ definition of Easter. Most consider it a religious holiday (celebration of God, a holy day, special church service), but fewer identified it with the actual resurrection of Jesus. In fact, only 2% said it would be the most important holiday of their faith. Of the respondents, 13% said they were not sure how to describe Easter. Other descriptions included: getting family together, spring break, a symbol of new beginnings or a time to dye and hide eggs.

Let it be said loud and clear that Easter is the most important Christian holiday! It is on this day that we celebrate the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. The body of Jesus of Nazareth cannot be found in some Palestinian tomb – it was gloriously transformed some 2000 years ago.  Jesus urged his disciples to touch him – dispensing the idea that his resurrection was purely spiritual. In fact, Jesus ate with the disciples after his crucifixion in his resurrected state. It was a real body – different yes, but nonetheless physical and real. 

Several of our kids will be with us today. We’ll enjoy each other’s company. We have planned a big family dinner – but all these activities exist because Jesus Christ rose from the dead. That is why we’re together – that is why we     celebrate. He is risen indeed!