Easter Preparation

I was talking to an anonymous pastor at an anonymous conference and was surprised as we were chatting about responsibilities how much he disliked Easter.  The phrase that really got under my skin was when he said something to the effect, “Easter causes me so much work and stress, I’d just like to skip it this year”.  
Yes, Easter is the “stressful” season of work at a church.  It is like Black Friday for Best Buy, Husker Game Day for the Haymarket restaurants, and Ramadan for persons of a Muslim faith.  But, in all those comparisons, Easter is different.
What this pastor failed to recognize is that as Christians our entire existence is based upon Jesus rising.  Consider the following: What if Jesus didn’t rise?
The disciples would’ve continued on their normal lives, living in anonymity. 
The first generation of converts which changed the fabric of culture from multiple Greek and Roman gods would’ve continued never would’ve converted. 
Two thousand years of history would’ve never happened as it has, and our perspective on life and death wouldn’t have been shocked.
Easter is THE event which changed the course of humanity, and eternity.  We believe He is risen, and because of that we live transformed lives.  Or do we?  My friend the pastor didn’t have that perspective.  He saw more work.  Just like the Best Buy employee or server at the restaurant they see the moments that are largest as something bad. 
I pray that Hope would never see Easter in this light.  In fact, we should see Easter as the culmination of our faith expression in a yearly climax.  Easter should be the time when we are most expressive, most excited to share what we believe and celebrate with others what we believe.
Currently I am excited that numerous people in our church are considering displaying their faith through baptism on Easter.  What a wonderful climax of our belief in a single event! 
For others, Easter is the one time they come to church in the year.  I lovingly call these persons “CE” Christians as they usually come to church twice a year, on Christmas and Easter. 
I want Hope and Easter to be a time where no matter why we are coming, we come celebrating the one who gives us reason for life and reason for joy.  Reason for Hope. 
We will have three services again with numerous opportunities to worship the week prior as well.  Bring a friend or family along as we worship our Risen Lord!
 
Pastor Scott