When we are children, Easter meant mainly one thing. The Easter Bunny was to come. The Easter Bunny would bring gifts of Chocolate and unlike Santa, this bunny did not seem to be so concerned about naughty and nice lists.
When we grow older, Easter means other things. For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere it means warm weather is on its way. Easter is a time of flowers.
For many Easter is a time of families. This year we will gather by phone, Facetime, or Zoom. In other years, people would take advantage of days off to spend time with one another.
For those who practise other religions or have no religion, Easter is just a long weekend. In Canada it just gives us a day off between the holiday in February and Victoria Day. They may also take advantages of sales in the stores.
For those of us in the church, normally Easter is a busy time of services. It is the holiest week of the year. We go from the soberness of Lent, the excitement of Palm Sunday, the memories of Maundy Thursday, the loneliness of Good Friday, and the celebration of Easter Day.
This week, when we need to celebrating Easter differently because of this virus, may it contine to speak to us as it always has. For the children may they continue to experience the joy of that discovery of hidden eggs. For those who see Easter as the harbinger of spring, may we continue to see the wonders of creation revealed. For those families dining together via zoom or skype may your love to fill your hearts. For those who merely get a day off this time of year, enjoy it. For those of us in the church, know that our faith cannot be stilled by this virus. The empty tomb has as much meaning for us this year as any other years. Blessings
