Year after year I have celebrated Easter. I have put on my best dresses, dyed colorful eggs, cried at the Passion plays while thanking Christ for His great sacrifice.
But this year was different. You see, this once innocent girl with the childlike faith had now tasted of the bitterness of death.
Death. Once something that seemed almost surreal has now taken up permanent residence in my reality.
Death. Something so powerful that it took my dad away from me in an instant.
But, as the chorus of one of my favorite songs reminds me...
The love of God is stronger than the power of death!
Ever since my dad passed away, I can't get that song out of my head.
And Easter, the day we celebrate Christ's death and resurrection, His victory over sin, death and the grave, I rejoice!
Because death is so real to me this Easter, even greater are the realities of the love of the Father and His power over death. I rejoice because I know that my dad has been given the gift of eternal life!
On Saturday, I visited the cemetery to take Easter lilies to His grave as a symbol of beauty and life.
I was blessed to see this beautiful cross towering over the cemetery.
Even though I stood amongst death, I gazed upon the promise of eternal life.
While we were visiting the cemetery, we learned that they would be having a sunrise service the following day and would be calling out the names of all of those who passed away over the last 12 months.
So early on Sunday morning, we joined in community with those who also had tasted of death and together, we celebrated life.
To close the service, a dove was released to symbolize the one we had lost followed by a flock of doves to symbolize all who have gone before us. It was a beautiful sight to behold.
So this Easter was a very special day for me and I just wanted to share that with you in hopes that you too can know and understand that "the love of God is stronger than the power of death."
I hope you had a blessed Easter!
Always,
Amanda
