Hi everyone,
Easter time already!
I know, Easter is different every year, sometimes earlier (like in March), sometimes later (like in April), and any time in between those dates. But one thing is always certain, Easter will land near one of our kids’ birthdays.
See the time between February and May is riddled with all of our family members’ birthdays. I joke a lot about this being our “marathon birthday season” because every month in that time will have at least one birthday (2 in May). And since Easter can land between the end of March to the end of April, there always seems to be a competition for time.
I also joke about how this is the worst family planning for a pastor ever.
Because as joyful as Easter is, it’s also very busy. And as joyful as birthdays can be, they are busy too. While I’m thankful to have an amazing spouse who takes care of most of the birthday activity and a great team at church to help with the Easter planning, it’s still… busy.
But also good… oh so good.
Here are the readings for next week:
Acts 10:34-43
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
1 Corinthians 15:19-26
Luke 24:1-12
And a video of me reading those readings:
Easter of course is the highlight of the church year. It is the culmination of Jesus’ earthly ministry, it is the basis of our faith, and it is just a joyous time all around. There is the feeling that this time needs to and should be honoured. It should be revered. It should be celebrated.
Like birthdays, I suppose.
I said that I joke that my family is the worst family planning for a pastor ever (and yes, it actually was planned), but on second thought, maybe it isn’t so bad. Of course, birthdays happen when birthdays happen, but the sense of renewal, reconciliation, and resurrection are great themes to remember around birthday time.
Well, I’m not going to put that on a banner or anything and hang in our living room, but the joys of birthdays really do fit in with the joys of Easter. The joy of new life translates well to the joy of the life-giving grace given to us by God. The joy in celebrating relationship and community is prevalent throughout.
And for that, I am thankful. I feel renewed. I am joyful.
Have a wonderful Holy Week and blessed Easter, everyone!