Easter 2009

Seven thirty-five p.m. and most of the guests have gone on their way. Seven thirty-five p.m. and I realize that another Easter celebration has passed.

This is my favorite holiday. For those who believe, this is a day of victory. Jesus is alive! He has conquered death. Songs of praise and exultation rang out as we joined our voices in loudest strains of joy in the morning's service of worship. The recollection of a precious salvation wrought for me through His death on Calvary's tree is never old. Somehow it is as wonderful today as when I first understood -- in fact, it is more wonderful.

Every year we welcome visitors to join our family for Easter dinner. This year four tables were set to accommodate 36 happy banqueters. We feasted on roasted pork loin, roasted herbed potatoes, asparagus, baby carrots with dill, cardamom bread, feta stuffed olives, and a fabulous spread of desserts. New friends and old laughed away the afternoon. Many hands washed many plates. It took some time, but soon every glass was sparkling and every plate was stacked.

Now they have gone. We finish watching Anne of Avonlea, a series we started viewing a few nights ago. Family is here with me, and that is a favorite way to end such a day.

Some day, because of that first Easter morning, we will all be in heaven together -- forever!

Hallelujah! Christ is risen!