Wouldn't it be great if our Easters were something more?

Thoughts about Easter according to Pastor Scott Oberle at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Downers Grove:

It almost reminds me of one of those infomercials on television for the Juice Weasel, Thighmaster, or the Snuggie... for a limited time only $19.99!! But wait, if you order now we'll throw in a second weasel for free, and this marvelous set of Ginzu knives... displays of them cutting through a tomato without the mess and then, equally impressive, cutting through ½ inch metal pipes. (mom's roast beef is tough, but not sure it needs to be compared to steel piping!)

Luke has just finished letting the dust settle from Jesus' death. Joseph of Arimathea buys the right to bury Jesus body from Pontius Pilate, wraps his body in linen and seals him in the tomb. Luke tells us that it is the Jewish day of preparation for the Passover. It is Friday night, the beginning of the new Sabbath day. And they rested. Then Luke continues. He starts his sentence with a very small conjunction, that small word... BUT. Jesus has been laid in the tomb -but... they killed him on the cross- but... wait... THERE'S MORE. Luke's account of the Resurrection begins as a surprise.

I remember reading about a teacher who said to her Sunday school class of children, "What do you think Jesus said to those women disciples in the graveyard when he saw them? And a little girl thought for a moment and brightened up and said I know. I know. TADAH!

We often view the resurrection the last chapter in the life of Jesus. We celebrate it as history and holiday. We say to ourselves isn't an amazing thing what Jesus did back then? Yet the tendency is to leave it there, as if Easter doesn't call us into a relationship with God that says live each day like it's your only day. God has conquered the grave for you, it's not the end of the story, but a calling, an invitation, to rewrite your life's story with Jesus walking alongside you.

It is the offer not of some gimmick or gadget, or fast fading fad, but of truly abundant life, seeing the world and our role in it differently because, incredibly, the grave is empty. Flowers in the sanctuary waft aromatic like spring, colorful and vibrant. The weather is warming, new life blooming and budding all around us reminding us of life after death in each unfolding flower and hatching bird... but then it's over right? Our kids hunt for eggs, cram down some Cadburys or Peeps. Maybe we go on a vacation for spring break, and we attend Easter Sunday and walk out, okay the holy season is over- where are we going for brunch?

Wouldn't it be great if our Easters were something more? If Easter once again claimed us in ways that transformed who we are to the very core of how we live because of who Jesus is?

Come this Easter, come and see and experience the Risen Lord with us.

Maundy Thursday Service 7:30pm

Good Friday Tennebrae Service (ending in darkness) 7:30pm

Sunrise 6am church Sanctuary ending outside in the Main Street Cemetery

9am Traditional High Church Easter

11am Contemporary Easter Praise Service

We'd love to celebrate this Easter with you at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Downers Grove where, "No Matter who you are or where you are on life's journey you are welcome here!"