Easter Thoughts

Blogging has really helped me during this time. These are random thoughts that help me get my feeling out into the open. I know that I feel better after writing. I'm not sure if it helps you, but it helps me.

This will definitely be a different kind of Easter. For as long as I can remember, I have gotten dressed up and gone to church on Easter. Our church family has embraced, shaken hands, and been inside a comfortable building on cushioned pews and enjoyed praise and worship, and received a thought-provoking or life-changing message from God's Word. This year will be different. While we will still be going to church, we won't be going into the building. We will have a drive-in church service and listen via the radio. We won't be shaking hands or embracing. For the time being, this is our new normal. 

However, as different as this is, I am not bitter. I know that the church is not the building, it is the people. I also understand that in order to wipe this wretched virus out is to socially distance ourselves, hence a drive-in church service. I'm thankful that we have the technology in this day and age that we can connect with each other and broadcast services via many different outlets and venues. But then, we have to look at the big picture. When Jesus walked out of that tomb, alive, history was changed forever. There was not a church service to mark the occasion. There was simply a message from an angel to some women who were coming to prepare His body. His own believers didn't even believe He was alive until He appeared to them. No one put on a new dress or suit, and nobody colored eggs or handed out chocolate bunnies. Yet, all of Heaven rejoiced when Jesus defeated death and made salvation possible for all of mankind. I'm sure the celebration in Heaven was deafening. While we can celebrate, it's going to have to be a bit different. But covid-19 cannot change what Jesus did! Don't let the circumstances of today pour water all over what Easter means. Jesus is alive. He is risen! He is risen indeed. Nothing can ever change that.

If you'd like to see what a socially distanced drive-in church service looks like, I'd like to invite you to Westside Baptist Church, located at 400 West 12th, between Monroe and Madison. We'll be offering 2 services, one at 9:00am and another at 11:00am. There will be attendants available to help you get parked, and the radio frequency will be posted so that you can tune in and listen. Additionally, all children will receive an Easter goodie bag as they leave. Whether you choose to attend Westside or not, I'd encourage you to get plugged in somewhere tomorrow. I'll be attending the 11:00 service, and if I happen to see you there, I'll be sure to give you a safe, socially-distanced wave! 

Jesus is alive! He is risen! That is reason to celebrate! Thanks for reading this short post. I pray the joy of our Risen Savior will fill your hearts tomorrow and always! God bless you!