A Purposeful Easter
The Easter story.
Beautiful.
Redemptive.
Monotonous?
If we are not purposeful, the powerful story of Easter can wither into a whisper. Maybe we have heard it on repeat since childhood and we struggle to find anything new to anchor to. Maybe the story has become basic because we have had to scale it down for little eyes and ears. Maybe we have never really embraced the fullness of the story and Easter is merely another church holiday where they ask us to serve. Maybe the story has always taken second place behind egg coloring, bunny baskets, spiraled ham, fancy dresses, egg hunting, and chocolate ears.
The impact of Easter is solidified in history and cannot be reduced through our business or distractions. However, the beauty of the story can be tarnished by our refusal to let the story be the reason for the season. We can scamper through the weekend and never once think about the brutal beauty of our Savior. This is not a disservice to Him; rather, it is a disservice to us. We lose out when we lose holy perspective.
My heart wants this Easter to be intentional in ways that previous Easters have not. Not for tradition's sake, but for the sake of my soul. I know the story, I preach the story, I live the story, but what can I find in the redemptive story that will spark something new? What needs do I have this Easter that I did not have last year? What new spiritual maturity do I enter this Easter with? How have I changed all year because of His forgiveness?
The facts of the Easter story do not change, but the way it relates to you in your given moment can indeed be fluid. Sometimes, we hear the story in a new way and then we begin to live it out differently.
This Easter, let’s choose to be mindful of our choices. The celebration can include traditions, gifts, family brunch, and golden eggs. Those moments with family and friends are gifts wrapped in joy, which is a holy experience. However, our mindfulness needs to also lead us to Scripture reflection, church attendance, family conversations, worship and prayer, baptism, communion, serving others, and other creative means of remembrance. There is no specific roadmap or Pinterest board that will help you produce this. This is not a plea for resurrection cookies, origami crosses and tombs, or an elaborate Passover meal. Too often these traditions that were once anchored in godliness become more about checking off a list of tasks. For those who feel as though they lack ingenuity or creativity, take a deep breath and realize that living out forgiveness doesn’t require a trip to The Home Depot or The Dollar Tree.
No. Lean in to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. What is He asking you to sit in this Easter? It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should be fulfilling. Here are a few ideas to help spur ingenuity and purposeful remembrance in your Easter celebration this year:
Read the Easter story in different translations of the Bible. * Consider doing this each night as a family until Easter Sunday. (These recommendations can all be found online or on the Bible App: NIV, Message, NLT, AMP, NKJV)
Take communion as a family. (Read Luke 22:17-19) If you do not have grape juice or bread, get creative. Apple juice and goldfish crackers may fill the need.
Listen to worship music as a family. Ask everyone what worship song they currently like and plan to listen to each person’s choice. This can be done on a single evening or over the course of the days leading up to Easter. Have each person share what they like about the lyrics.
Find a way to serve someone outside your own home. This can be hashed out in various ways, but serve at church, for a non-profit, or for the random need that comes your way.
Have a feet-washing ceremony in your home. Give everyone a chance to humbly participate in what Jesus modeled in John 13.
Practice repentance differently, through creative means. What we do creatively or through purposeful action is more often remembered. So, have each family member write their sins down and then cast them into a fire. Grab scrap wood and made a temporary cross and nail written sins to the posts. Write in sidewalk chalk and then wash it off with a water hose.
Take pictures with purpose. Sure, you’ll have the pics of the eggs, the brunch, and the typical family photo, but what if you took pictures with intent that showcased the message of Christ? Get your kids in on this, too. Think symbolically. A hand-drawn donkey, a palm tree frond, two sticks that create a cross, a stone with a hand-written message, ashes, the sunset, the color white. How could you tell the Easter story in pictures using things in your everyday life?
Follow along with someone posting Easter content. ** This Holy Week, you will have plenty of resources through social media that will encourage you to reflect and remember differently. Follow along with their images, devotionals, videos, songs, and encouragement. You will likely learn something new and be blessed along the journey.
More than anything this Easter, may I encourage you to pause. To literally breathe in the overwhelming gift of salvation. To recognize that forgiveness is life-giving. To embrace the beauty of joy, hope, mercy, grace, and love. To really see people as children of God. To celebrate the resurrection with the recognition that the same power that raised Christ to life is also in you (Romans 8:11 & Ephesians 1:19-20). If you purposefully take pause, you will break through the monotony and find that God has something profoundly wider and deeper for you this Easter.
He is Risen, my friends! Have a very blessed Easter.
* Scripture that walks you through the Holy Week: Matthew 26-28, Mark 14-16, Luke 22-24, & John 18-20
** Follow along with me this week on Instagram for daily Easter encouragement: @carissancampbell
