Saturday, March 22, 2008

Easter Eggs, Bunnies, and Christ

Submitted by: Sandra Harris Frey

The beginning of spring sends a message of renewal. Many young are born in the animal world around this time of year. It is also the time that we celebrate Easter. Children eager to paint their eggs for the Easter egg hunt. Bunnies and chicks are symbols of Easter. Most of all, it’s the holiday celebrated for the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Being curious about the origin of the Easter egg hunts, the chicks, and bunny factors, I did a little research on why these things are associated with Easter. It has been widely reported that after the resurrection of Christ, Mary visited the Emperor of Rome telling him that “Christ has risen”. His comment as he pointed to an egg on a table, “Christ is no more risen than that egg is red”. It was told that the egg immediately turned blood red.

Many believe eggs were painted and given as gifts symbolizing the end of Lent. In Eastern Christianity, meat and eggs are prohibited during Lent. The eggs and the hatchlings are symbols of new life and the resurrection of Christ.

As we enter this Easter holiday, let’s keep focused on new life, renewal, and a new beginning.

Luke 24

The Resurrection

1On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' " 8Then they remembered his words.

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Is Your Suitcase Packed?

Submitted by: Sandra Harris Frey

Over a decade ago, my husband and our friends went on a weekend getaway to the lake. That is where the long standing joke they have with me began. For that weekend trip, I packed two suitcases and a makeup bag. One weekend. Two suitcases and a makeup bag. The joke is that I have a suitcase just for my makeup.

Over the years, my vacation packing practices have improved. I’m now down to one suitcase and a makeup bag; however, I have the largest sized handbag you’ve ever seen in your life! I hope they never catch on to my deception!

A person should be prepared for anything and that’s why my suitcase is always packed to the hilt. Most of the time, I’m prepared for virtually any type of weather change for me and any of our friends. My most helpful fashion tip? Never go to the beach without a sweatshirt, fleece jacket, rain jacket, and long pants.

Paul told us in 2 Timothy: 4-8 to preach the word and to be prepared for the Lord both in season and out. We have to be ready to tell others of God’s love and to minister unto them; therefore, we have to make sure we have the right gear packed in our “suitcase of life”. Do you have the right gear packed?

2 Timothy 4:1

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.