A few years ago, I remember hearing a story about a teacher who gave one Easter egg to each student in the class. Her instructions were for each of them to write what they enjoyed most about Easter or what it meant to them. A day before Easter, she opened each Easter egg given to her students and read each of their messages. One little girl shared how she loved to shop with her mother for a pretty dress for Easter Sunday. Another student said that eating with the family was what he enjoyed the most. One little boy’s message was that he couldn’t wait to get all those Easter eggs. And another wrote, I like having days off from school. Then the teacher came to an empty egg. It belonged to a little shy boy named Reece. The teacher sternly asked Reece “what’s the idea of returning an empty egg? Doesn’t Easter mean anything special to you?” Defensively, Reece quietly said, “The empty egg reminds me of the empty tomb. My Mom and Dad always told me that this was the main reason for the celebration.” The teacher was amazed and found so much of truth in what he said. Well, is Easter all about Easter bunnies and Easter eggs, and new clothes? Though these things are nice to have at Easter time, but it is not as important as compared to how Jesus died for us on the Cross. I’ve heard it said that the Easter egg represents ‘new life’ – as a chicken hatches from an egg. It is okay to enjoy the goodies at Easter time, but let us not forget the real meaning of Easter. We have to believe that Jesus has risen and hope to spend our time eternally with him in heaven. Those who live on what we might call “The outskirts of hope” need a transfusion, which is given during Easter. The resurrection gives our lives a meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over, no matter the circumstances. Just as we dress our children in new clothes, God dressed his only son for us. He was not robed in a fancy dress; instead, he was hung on a cruel cross for all to see, as men gambled on his clothing at his feet. Presently, we give baskets full of goodies and candy filled eggs to our children and those of our friends. But, sadly Jesus was given vinegar when he said, “I Thirst.” They didn’t even offer him a glass of water; however, a sponge was dipped in the sour liquid and lifted up to his innocent lips. God gave his life for our sake. True love doesn’t count the cost; it gives liberally. A true lover gives the best he has to offer, and everything he has for the beloved. God proved his love for us by giving us the best he had to offer — his only begotten son, who freely gave himself as an offering to God for our sakes and as an atoning sacrifice for our sins, and that of the world. A spotless lamb was He. He bled and died for you and me. Therefore, it is high time to change our lives for the better and we can start from today itself. Easter reminds me of how Christ died for the sake of my soul, and how he rose from the dead. I can testify that because of Easter, my Saviour, Jesus Christ, lives forevermore. God’s goal is to make all of us like his resurrected son. As for me, Easter is the day when I would mediate and reflect on all the benefits I enjoy with the blessings from the risen lord. I am thankful for the life and love that God’s sacrifice represents. I am thankful for the opportunities it has afforded me. I am also thankful for the grace that abounds in me because of that humble act. Finally let me end with an apt quote “Jesus took my place on the cross to give me a place in heaven.” May you and your family enjoy the celebration of the Resurrection! *Arlette Azavedo*
ARLETTE AZAVEDO Cell no. 9422061766 And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.--
