Easter

I want to know Christ and the power of his Resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. 
- Philippians 3:1-11

Easter is my most favorite holiday of the year.  It’s not because I get to eat a big ham dinner with my family, or even have chocolate again after Lent. It’s not because of bunnies or colored eggs. And it isn’t because I have an excuse to buy a new spring outfit. Those are all good things, but not the reason I love Easter.

It’s because of the promise of the Resurrection. Without it, our faith would have no meaning, no basis. It is through his Resurrection that we know Christ has power over sin and death. It is because of his Resurrection that believers can have hope for their own future, in this world and in the world to come.

It is the Resurrection which tells me that even in the most dreadful of circumstances we still have reason for hope.  I may have times when death and destruction are all around me, but I always have hope because of Easter. Jesus was arrested, deserted by his friends, mocked, beaten, stood trial, was falsely convicted, and finally suffered and died on the cross. But even though it appeared his enemies had won, he was never really defeated.

Jesus rose in victory from the grave!  He appeared alive to over 500 of his followers. He spoke with them, ate with them, and taught them. He ascended to heaven before their very eyes, and will return some day in the same manner. We will see him face-to-face.  This is why I love Easter!

Pastor Jean Edmister
Pendleton Center & Niagara Falls First United Methodist Churches