Is This a Chocolate Week?

   I have been conflicted ever since I wrote that "smiling" blog post yesterday. Yes it was the way I felt, but it seemed flippant, even sacrilegious, to be writing of a sense of joy when it was the middle of Holy Week. I was confused. Were my feelings totally out of whack with the solemness of the occasion?

   Today is Maundy Thursday on the Christian calendar. I read about the events of that Passover this morning. I read about the disciples and how they must have been confused as the events unfolded that week. From the giddiness of the Palm Sunday entry to the agony of the Cross. What an up and down week for them.

   How could I have ever written that yesterday? It seemed so out of sync with other things that I read. Even right now there is music playing in the background as I write. I discovered a blog that I read in its entirety, all about this week, and one family's ways of observance. It is here for referral:

http://www.aholyexperience.com/

   And I think back to my feelings of yesterday. I felt good and I wanted to keep that feeling. I'll bet the disciples did, too.

   Sure we can have joy over the Resurrection. Jesus died for us and He rose again so that we also might live, truly live, if we believe. Easter is a glorious Day. It is a Day for celebration.

   But the days of Holy Week, those leading up to Easter Sunday, are filled with occasions that are not so giddy. Maundy Thursday, Friday on the Cross, Saturday in the Tomb, these are troubling times.

   Is this why I want to go right from one Sunday to the next, from Triumph right to Celebration and skip the hard part? The essential part?

   Is this the reason I get caught up in the chocolate bunnies and the colored eggs?

   Do I just want to remember the fun of Easter? Are those the only memories I want to leave to my children?

   I rejoice in singing Christ The Lord Is Risen Today, and it does bring me joy as I think of it.

   But before I can glory in that old hymn, I need to reflect on another:

"How Deep The Father's Love For Us"

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

   No chocolate bunnies here