Smart Thoughts

            Martin Marty told of eight-year-old Stephen, whose classmates were beginning to recognize the differences caused by his mental retardation. Just before Easter, the Sunday School teacher asked the eight children to each bring an empty pantyhose egg container next Sunday; in it, they should each put some small object representing the new life that spring brings. The next Sunday, all of the containers were placed on the table without identification; the teacher feared that Stephen might not have understood, and didn't want him to be embarrassed.

      The first had a tiny flower. "What a lovely sign of new life!" The donor could not help but erupt, "I brought that one." Next came a rock. That must be Stephen's, since rocks don't symbolize new life. But Billy shouted that his rock has moss on it and moss represented new life. The teacher agreed. A butterfly flew from the third container, another child bragged that her choice was the best sign of all. The fourth container was empty. "It has to be Stephen's," thought the teacher, reaching quickly for the next one. But "Please don't skip mine," Stephen interjected. "But it's empty." "That's right," said Stephen, "the tomb was empty, and that's new life for everyone."

      While the empty cross is prominent in our churches, and it’s message is of a savior who died for our sins, it is the empty tomb that gives us hope. Just like Christmas has little meaning apart from Easter, the celebration of an empty tomb has little meaning apart from the cross.

      During Holy Week we will be celebrating the life and death of Jesus as well as his resurrection. On Palm Sunday, the children will be waving palm branches as a reminder of those who celebrated Jesus entry into Jerusalem.

      On Holy Thursday we will be worshiping together at the Zephyr church. We will be remembering our Lord’s last supper with his disciples. We will share the bread and the cup as we prepare our hearts and minds for the days ahead.

      On Good Friday we will experience the death of our Savior. A service of darkness at the Early church will place us at the foot of the cross on that dark day that Jesus was crucified. There will be the opportunity to participate as a reader in this service. If you are interested, ask me about your part. There is nothing like darkness to help us appreciate the light. No Easter morning celebration can be adequately appreciated apart from experiencing the crucifixion. The Good Friday service of darkness will enhance your Easter celebration.

      Easter worship will begin with a Sun [Son] Rise Service at the tabernacle in Zephyr. If weather does not permit, we will go inside.

      There is something about an Easter Sunday service that is exciting. The bulletin doesn’t look that much different than any other Sunday, but your participation, full of joy and excitement, makes Easter Sunday exhilarating. The special music will be moving. The atmosphere will be electric. We will gather to celebrate the risen savior.

      I am enthusiastic and breathless just writing about our Easter celebration. I look forward to our time together.

In a spirit of expectation,