Easter!

Easter, what does it mean to you?  It can mean a memory, special family times, an easter egg hunt, and on and on. Or it can mean something indescribable, a very deep spiritual meaning that so many do not understand. To me, it means my freedom, my redemption, my forgiveness. All because this was the day Jesus Christ rose from the grave, defeated the devil and hell, defeated death. This is the day that we can rejoice because we are redeemed and can spend eternity in heaven with our Savior.
Sure, as a child I remember getting all dressed up in my new Easter clothes, going to church, then coming home and having a wonderful dinner.  My Mom was the best cook! Many times we traveled to Pennsylvania or Virginia to see grandparents and family. Those are very special memories.
But even as a child, I knew what Easter was about.  Not all about the candy, or hunting eggs, and so on. It was the day the stone was rolled away and Jesus rose from the grave and changed history forever. Our Savior made a way for us to be redeemed and forgiven. 
Just a note-I will leave the details of Good Friday and the cross for you to read on your own. I wanted to keep this about the day Jesus rose. 
As years have gone by, I never forgot about how special Easter was to our family. We never forgot what the true meaning of Easter is. In today's world many children grow up thinking it is about bunnies.  Well it is fun to throw a "fairy tale" in the mix as long as the true meaning is not forgotten. 
I know everyone has their own traditions.
I can still taste my Grandma Sallie's coleslaw. Nothing but the best. And my Mom would bake a delicious ham.  My aunts in Pennsylvania made the best potato salad.  Those things I truly miss about our childhood traditions.  
I remember in Sunday school receiving a little cross that would glow in the dark. Fond memories.
Now back to the real reason we celebrate Easter. 
The Bible tells us in-
Romans 3:23-24-
23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 24 They are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
You see there would be no Easter without Jesus dying on the cross, and 3 days later rising from the dead. There would be no hope for us to have that eternal life in heaven, because we would not be redeemed from our sins. And we are all sinners. We all need redeeming.
Jesus Christ loves us more than anything, so much that He died on the cross so that we could live and be with Him in eternity. 
This Easter I encourage you all to take a moment and think about Easter. Reflect on the many things that bring us joy, but don't forget Who the author of that joy is. Jesus is the reason we can rejoice.
Happy Easter everyone!