April 2010
Pastor’s Letter
Dear Church Family,
Christ our Lord has risen today, Alleluia! Yellow and green. Daffodils and tulips. Birds home from their winter vacations and the promise of spring. April is a reminder of the hope of a new life. A fresh start and a joyous time ahead. It is my prayer that each one of you has a wonderful Easter time.
As a little kid, Easter for me was always down at Grandma Mayne’s house. She lived down at the end of the block on the same street we did, Milan Street in Wyoming, Michigan. It was a little grey house on a flat corner lot with the garden and garage on the side street. Grandma Mayne had those beige pull-down blinds that never went up until after 10 AM because Grandpa slept until late in the morning after working 2nd shift at a factory. I loved her house on Easter morning, diffused light, a happy welcome, flowers from the garden on the table, and the smell of a pot-roast on the stove. We did Easter at Grandma’s house because we didn’t do Easter at ours.
Many Adventist homes struggle with Easter Sunday. Usually the only mention of it is when we go to Luke 23:55-24:1 to prove that Sabbath was on Saturday. Easter eggs and Easter bunnies are cute but really we know where that tradition comes from and most of us didn’t grow up participating in egg rolling contests. So what do we do with Easter today?
Though I don’t color eggs and give fuzzy bunnies out, I do love a good chocolate bunny (solid or hollow, they are both good!). Yet, I believe that we should join in the Christian world in celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. The resurrection is the greatest gift given to us by our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:17, “And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins.” We need the resurrection or we are “more to be pitied than anyone in the world.” (verse 19).
“But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died!” We must celebrate! If some want to use Easter Eggs and Bunnies let them be (“So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or sabbaths.” Col. 2:13, neither should you condemn those who do!). But find a way to share with your neighbor, with your family, with your friends that you believe in this risen Christ! For He is the hope of our salvation!
I probably won’t eat pot-roast again (Grandma’s gone and I’m a vegetarian) but I will celebrate the fact that Jesus lives. Find your way this year to let the world know.
In His Matchless Love,
Pastor Tim Mayne
