Living in the Light of Easter

   When I read the Scripture this morning, my mind immediately took off into several directions. The reading was from Mark 14 and covered the preparation for the Passover by Jesus and His disciples, the Last Supper, and the night of His betrayal by Judas. There is a lot packed into those few verses, and my first thoughts centered on how I need to prepare my heart and life for another Easter celebration. Then I went back through several of the many Easters I have lived through and tried to relive those moments again.

   In a few days time, Easter will be upon us one more time. Will that day on this calendar for 2012 be any different from that day on any other year? Am I any different?

   On a Sunday, when the whole world participates in the celebration of the resurrection, when the traditions of the Day take over our lives for at least one brief moment of time, how do I respond to the God of the Universe? Easter eggs? Church? A Big Meal, Family and Friends?

   As I wonder how God, Himself, would answer my questions, my thoughts  turn to the other 364 ( or this year 365) days of the year. Should I live this day of Christian celebration any different from the other days? How should I live out the message of Easter every day?

   Micah 6:8 from the Message:

   "But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, 
   what God is looking for in men and women.
It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, 
   be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don't take yourself too seriously— 
   take God seriously."

   Easter is a great day of celebration. Christ has risen, death has been conquered, and we are partakers of the meaning of the Day. Is is good to remember, and we are right to reflect on all its meaning again.

   But I want to live life each of the days of the year in the way that God expects, not wait until Easter comes again to put the whole thing in perspective.