Celebrating the Resurrection

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
What a great celebration of the Resurrection we had this past Sunday – the music was tremendous, the baptisms were moving and the living cross was a beautiful witness to the city of Dallas about our living Savior. It is wonderful that we take a Sunday each year to proclaim the Risen Lord with such magnificence. It is right for the Church to do so, but it is interesting to note that the Gospel writers who proclaimed the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, did so in whispers and not pomp and circumstance. We are not told in the Scriptures how Jesus was resurrected, only that it was by the power of God. We don't know if there was an explosion, if beams of light shot out from Heaven, or if Jesus just sat up. It was not revealed to the Gospel writers how it took place; the importance of the Resurrection was simply that it occurred.
This is why the next few weeks ought to be spiritually precious to us. After all the celebration has calmed down we go about celebrating the Resurrection in our daily lives in the same way as Jesus' disciples did so many years ago. It is important to remember that Easter begins a seven week period of celebration of Jesus' Resurrection which culminates in Pentecost Sunday when we once again celebrate the initiation of the Church through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. These next few Sundays are the “Sundays of Easter” and not the “Sundays after Easter.” A world of difference hinges on understanding this. Now is the time to continue to read Scripture and meditate upon the Resurrection, but also begin to seek to understand the Holy Spirit and its importance in your life. This is the way to peace and joy which Jesus promised to us when He spoke to His disciples just prior to His death and resurrection, “All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:25-27). Selah.
In Christ,
Steve