Anticipation of the Season

I love April in Pittsburgh. The sun finally breaks through the clouds. Buds appear on the trees. Tulips, hyacinths and lilies burst through the frozen earth and bloom into an array of brilliant colors.

But I also love the religious climate in our city right now. It is a time of remembrance. Visual representations of the story of God are all around us.

Next week is Passover. Families are abuzz with preparations for the Seder meal. The youngest child in each family is anticipating his important role in the event. Matza is being prepared. Fine wine is being selected. Traditional cakes and wonderful desserts are baking. Excitement is in the air.

The story of God's faithfulness to his people is on everyone's lips. Books like "Miriam's Cup" are on display in the library, telling how God brought his people out of the bondage of Egypt and into the Promised Land. Parents tell their children how the death angel passed over each house that was covered with the blood of the passover lamb.

It is such a beautiful picture of our God of the Old Testament.

But for those of us who are Christians, the story does not end there.
1Corinthians 5:7 tells us that "Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed." The anticipated Messiah has come, and His name is Jesus!!!!

We see the beautiful story of Jesus, our passover lamb, reflected throughout the traditions of Easter.

It all begins with Ash Wednesday. The day is always somber and reverent. Students, businessmen, mothers, and children wear the ashen crosses on their forehead as a reminder of how lost and dark we once were in our sin. It it good to remember where we came from, so we can fully appreciate what He has done for us. Many start the day with a sunrise service, repenting of sin and reflecting on His grace and mercy. Even unbelievers walk in a quiet reverence that day, sensing that this time is somehow special and holy.

Then the Lenten season begins. Evidences of the celebration are everywhere. Stores are filled with crosses, eggs, and the purple and white fabrics of the season. Children are told how God came down and became man in order to die and take the place for our sins. Churches celebrate the stations of the cross. Strangers greet each other with "Christ is risen!" and "Christ is risen indeed!"

Restaurants even pay homage to the season. Signs in all the eating establishments, even fast food restaurants, advertise "Fish Fridays" in honor of lent. People fast and remember what He has done, as each one confesses what he chose to give up for lent.

Everywhere you look, you see evidences of His Story. There are constant reminders of our risen Lord throughout the city.

I can't wait for Easter. Church bells will ring simultaneously in every village, township and city. People will dress in their finest. Places of worship will be packed, as our risen Lord will be celebrated. Families will partake of the bread and wine, and remember the beauty of the cross. Traditional meals and celebrations will follow throughout the day. And joy will fill the air!!!!

But today, there is a special reminder for us personally of the hope of the season. An anticipation of death springing forth into life.

As we get to celebrate this Lord's Day together, we will have two special guests with us at church. One became a believer a year ago, and we have had the joy of watching her grow in her faith over the past few months. The other is her best friend, who has not yet accepted Christ.

We love that kid, and have been praying for him over a year now. But he has not made that decision to follow Christ.

However, we have the hope of future grace! We believe that sometime soon we will get to see him pass from death to life. We wait in eager anticipation for that moment when his eyes will be opened and he will choose to accept Christ.

There is an excitement in the air. A new season, new life and new hope. And a new prayer for our dear friend who is still walking in the darkness.


1Peter 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."