I’m Glad There Is An Easter

I noticed there is a difference in the way Easter is depicted this year, at least on television. There seems to be less bunnies and colored eggs and more of the old films which show the death and resurrection of Jesus. Even the ads showing bunnies and colored eggs seem to be less this year. Although the world goes on thinking Easter is a day set aside for the beginning of  Spring. It is, but it’s because He lives!

I didn’t go to church on Easter Sunday. I believe this was the first time in my life. I didn’t get together with my children and grandchildren for dinner at my daughter’s home either! I just sat in my chair watching the Trailblazers basketball team lose, and feeling sorry for myself. Later in the day I listened to a sermon which stated that if we walk with God, He knows everything about us and puts us just where we would learn the most about Him. I thought,”What am I learning by staying home sick from church and the dinner at my daughter’s home?”

So I placed myself at home 2000 years ago just before the resurrection, I was watching the kids outside playing games, but not really watching, just sadly reflecting on what had just happened. The Jesus I had followed and loved had suffered a terrible death. I had really thought he was the Son of God but now He was dead! How could He be the Son of God? But then, He defeated death and rose up from the dead. He walked many places and 500 people saw him alive! He didn’t have the same body though, and could walk through walls at will! But it was Jesus!

We should all put ourselves there, just before the resurrection. We would feel bad, really bad. Our teacher is dead! And when we see him again, He is alive! He had conquered death and was alive! Wouldn’t our feelings about Easter be changed? I know my little thoughts Made a difference for me. Easter made a difference for me. I knew all those things but playacting them in my mind brought joy. We should remember His resurrection every day of our lives!

 

 

 

 

We Can’t Go On Like This!

What is happening to our young people? I have heard the study made that shows more drugs are taken by young people and young adults than ever before. And that American young people are taking drugs more than any other country! Why do they  do that? Could it be that we have ignored the teachings of the Bible to our kids? I think we have watered down what the Bible teaches far too much.

I’ve been writing a book about a twelve year old girl in the middle eighties. This has taken me much research and I have read that young people were open to talking about God and Jesus. The stories that Jesus told were the basis of their lives. Now, all they do is swear by God’s name. Yet drugs and alcohol were available even at that time and I suppose there were those who used them. After all, there are always a few rotten apples in the basket.

Now I’ll give you my theory: The generation of the late eighties taught their children the way to live. Christianity was alive and kicking then. The parents of the early nineties spent nearly all their time in Church with their kids and their kids really loved it. There they met their friends and it was playtime around the church! The study time was taken seriously too. I am a member of that time so I don’t need any research on that!

The parents of the next generation made the decision not to attend church as often as their parents. I was a Parish Worker, which is really a pastors assistant, remember that I had men of the church pick up children who wanted to go to Sunday School. I think I had three cars go every Sunday. The kids really wanted to go, but their parents wanted to sleep an extra hour or two. Anyhow, things broke down a bit during that time. Also, Sunday School was held before the worship service so the children went to the service with their parents.

Now, the Church’s message has been watered down in some of our Christian churches. It seems there’s not much to believe in. So, the parents stay home and many of the kids have gone to Independent churches. The rest wander around and often get into bad company. And that’s what makes the study. We, the modern parents are guilty and we seem, to get worse every generation, don’t we?

What do we do about it? I really don’t know. I watch parents play with their children. This was much like in the eighties but not like the other generations until today’s.  I think there is hope. We were told we must stand up for our country. Well I think we should stand up for Christianity now. It is constantly being persecuted. Many are killed. Yesterday, 45 Christians were killed while celebrating their Palm Sunday service in Egypt. Let’s be real Christians, teach our children too. And be proud that we are Christians! Maybe that will bring at least our Christian kids back to the fold.