"He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ”

 Luke 24:6-7 

DEVOTION

As with Christmas, Easter is both a day and a season. If celebrating the twelve days of Christmas is a challenge, keeping the fifty days of Easter is ten times harder. There isn’t a catchy song— “On the first day of Easter…”—no decorations to keep up a little while longer, and from most of our churches, not much support.

Most of us by next Sunday have usually moved on to our next topic or returned to our old routine. 

This is unfortunate because of the sheer implication of the resurrection—its explosive force—calls for an extended period of exploration and appropriation. Easter cannot be done in a day. 

Easter lasts more than a day.

First, let the exhilarating shock of the resurrection itself continue—the great reversal, the death of death, the shattered door, the harrowing of hell, the beautiful metamorphosis, the explosion of life! No metaphor measures up or superlative suffices. As Madeleine L’Engle once exclaimed about Easter, “It is almost too brilliant for me to contemplate; it’s like looking directly into the sun; I am burned and blinded by life.” 

Easter is actually one long feast. It is fitting that Easter should be longer than the season of Lent. The feasting should exceed the fasting! And as the Orthodox traditions remind us, the spirit of Eastertide isn’t a season of obligation but rather of brightness. God for us!

So, how do we inhabit the Season of Easter?

If Lent is the season of fasting, why not make Easter the season of feasting? Why not go to lunch with a group of friends after church each Sunday? Or maybe allow yourself some culinary treats that you normally limit in your diet, as a delightful reminder of God’s life-giving grace?

Need a few ideas? Here are some practical ways to inhabit Easter.

1. Sit outside in the sun.

2. Plant something that will provide nourishment in the season ahead.

3. Add some color to your living spaces.

4. Go on daily walks, noticing how spring continues to unfold each day.

5. Buy fresh flowers—just because!

6. Feed the birds.

7. Set aside time each day to pursue an activity that enriches your life. 

These are just a few of the practical ways that you can keep and inhabit Easter. Getting outside may very well be the easiest and most accessible way to experience the season of Easter. The resurgence of the spring landscape is such a real and tangible sign of the new life that surrounds us all.

“The resurrection of Jesus is a sign of God’s purpose and power to restore his creation to its full stature and integrity…in the aftermath of Gethsemane, we catch a scent of Eden…the resurrection is like the first day of a new creation.” -Allister McGrath

PRAYER

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life. Grant that we might fully inhabit and celebrate this season of our Lord’s resurrection. May we feel all the life, power, love, triumph, and transformation this season offers through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 

Don Peslis

Pastor of Chapel Worship

donpeslis@crossings.church

RESOURCES

• Easter Sunday Message 
• “Thank you, Jesus” from Crossings Venue Worship Team
• Missed the 40 Days of Prayer Journey? Start today online or download now.