“Easter is the soul’s first taste of spring.” - Richelle E. Goodrich

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. - Matthew 28:5-8

Lent has continued to march on, with the stark feeling of waiting. To honor Lent, we often give up something, sacrificing to remind ourselves of Christ’s sacrifice. Maybe you gave up sweets, meat, or even TV or social media. Perhaps you are marking down the approach of Easter, with excitement or even just a feeling of weariness waiting for the spring. Now we are just a few weeks away from Easter or Resurrection Sunday! Let us start to plan out and prepare for all the celebrating we can do. In this blog, I will share some tips on how to celebrate and give you encouragement for living with the joy and celebration of Easter all year long. 

The Heart of Resurrection Sunday

"Unless there is Good Friday in your life, there can be no Easter Sunday." - Fulton J. Sheen

Resurrection Sunday, often called Easter, is more than a holiday; it is a declaration of the hope we have in Christ. Because Jesus conquered death, we have the promise of eternal life. This is a day to reflect on God’s immense love and the sacrifice that made salvation possible.

As Romans 6:9 declares, "For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over Him." Because of His resurrection, we can live in the freedom of His grace, walking in the newness of life (Romans 6:4). His resurrection is like spring. Rising up to throw off the weariness of winter. It’s a breath of fresh air, the sound of birds, and the reminder that the warmth of summer is coming. 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! 

According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.  - 1 Peter 1:3

Here are a few meaningful ways to celebrate Easter this year! 

• Attend a Sunrise Service

Many churches hold sunrise services to celebrate Easter. Gathering in worship as the sun rises is a beautiful way to reflect on the light of Christ. Just search “sunrise Easter services” near you and see what you can find! 

• Read the Easter Story Together

Spend time with family or friends, or even your small group reading the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ resurrection in Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, or John 20. Discuss what it means for your faith today. 

• Celebrate with Worship and Praise

Create a joyful atmosphere by playing or singing worship songs that focus on the resurrection. I love to look up playlists on Spotify to fit the mood! Search for joyful worship, or Easter music. 

• Share a Special Meal

Much like the disciples gathered to break bread together, share a meal with loved ones and use the opportunity to reflect on God’s goodness. Consider incorporating symbols of the resurrection, such as hot cross buns or make it even more Easter focused by adding a little egg hunt for the kids. 

• Engage in Acts of Kindness

Jesus’ resurrection brings hope and love, so why not extend that to others? Consider blessing a neighbor, donating to a local shelter, or writing encouraging notes to friends and family. 

• Embrace Symbols of New Life

Decorate your home with fresh flowers, open the windows, and let in the light. These simple acts can be a reminder of how Jesus brings beauty from ashes and makes all things new. 

As we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, let us take to heart the words of 1 Peter 1:3: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."

This Resurrection Sunday, may your heart be filled with joy, your faith be strengthened, and your hope be renewed. Christ is risen—He is risen indeed!

How are you celebrating Resurrection Sunday this year? Let us know in the comments below!

QUESTIONS AND REFLECTIONS 

One of my favorite things to do is to ponder, reflect and journal, it gives me time to think through all the various aspects of life. May you find time in your day or your week, to sit and reflect. You can use these questions as a starting place for your reflection, or just an addition to your normal journal rhythm.

1. How have you marked this season of Lent? Did you give up anything or attend any special services? How did that impact your faith?

2. What have you done to celebrate Easter in the past? What did you like or dislike? 

3. How are you planning on celebrating Easter this year? What community events might you be able to participate in?

4. Where have you seen God at work in your life lately?

5. What’s one thing from this blog that you want to use or put into action? 

'Twas Easter-Sunday. The full-blossomed trees filled all the air with fragrance and with joy." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 

For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. - John 6:40