Easter Sunday

I was looking at greeting cards in the store, and thought it strange that there were "Easter Cards", and then there were "Easter Cards - Religious". How far we have fallen.

So many people never even give a second thought to an old rugged cross or an empty tomb, yet they celebrate a big rabbit and dyed eggs.

As I reflect on my childhood days, I cannot help but be grateful for Christian parents. Sure, they made some mistakes...everyone does. But they did the best they could, and they loved us. And part of that demonstration of love was teaching us about Jesus. They took us to church every time the doors were open. They read the Bible to us, until we were big enough to read it to them. I can remember our family gathering around together in the living room for devotions - reading the Word of God together, and praying. And they taught us the true meaning of things like Easter. Yes, we had a basket full of goodies, and got to have an Easter egg hunt. But never once did we think that was the real reason for such a day. We knew Jesus was the reason. We acknowledged Good Friday, and recognized that Jesus died for our sins. We needed a Savior, and out of His great love for us, He willingly sacrificed Himself for us, so we could have eternal life with Him. And we celebrated resurrection day - Easter - as Jesus rose to new life on the third day! You see, there's nothing wrong with having an Easter egg hunt - or eating a chocolate rabbit, ears first, thank you. But it is wrong to take Jesus out of the picture.

I'm thankful that mom and dad loved us enough to make sure we knew about Jesus - until that day when we came to know Him for ourselves.

So the picture for today is my brother and I all dressed up for church, on Easter Sunday.

And can I say, "thanks mom and dad. I love you."