Most years, Easter falls somewhere in April. And so it did this year. But it was an April and an Easter unlike any we've had for many generations. Not just here in the United States, of course, but everywhere. The photo above, from a Greek City Times article, shows a lone man out on his balcony roasting lamb on a spit. The point of the article was that due to Greece's lockdown status, Greeks were not able to celebrate Easter (or Pascha) in the traditionally festive way. Pascha is one of the most important holidays in Greece (perhaps the most). It's the apex of Holy Week, a week that is filled with religious and cultural traditions. In Greece, Pascha is typically celebrated with gatherings of extended family and friends enjoying bountiful feasts, and folks often return to their ancestral villages for the festivities. But there were no large gatherings this year. And in an effort to maintain social distancing, the Greek government did not even allow people to travel the roads back to their home towns. It wasn't the celebration Greeks are accustomed to. It wasn't the celebration any of us have been accustomed to.
For our part, we spent Easter Sunday at home in Maryville, TN by ourselves. We watched our church's Easter service online (some of us in pajamas), and Marc grilled salmon (not lamb) for lunch. The weather was chilly and wet, so we hid Easter eggs inside the house for Liam and Nita to find. It didn't feel like a special holiday. It didn't even feel like a Sunday. There was something missing. There was no party.
Sure, it's a bit of a stretch to call the Easter celebrations that most of us experience a "party". But there's something about coming together with others that can make almost any occasion more festive. When we gather together as believers to hear God's Word and sing songs and celebrate our hope of eternal life because of Christ's defeat of death, it's a special and joyful time. And perhaps it should be more like a party.
There's an instance recorded in the book of Nehemiah where Ezra reads the Book of the Law to the entire assembly of Israel gathered in Jerusalem (these were people who had returned to Judah from exile in Babylon). As the assembly hears and understands the word of the Law they began to mourn and weep. But Nehemiah and Ezra stop them and say, "This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.... Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:9,10)
On that occasion, Ezra and the Israelites were observing the Feast of Trumpets which would flow into the Feast of Tabernacles, a week-long festival to celebrate the Lord's provision. These Israelites had much to be thankful for. God had brought them back to the Promised Land, had enabled them to rebuild the temple and to repair the wall around Jerusalem. There would be appropriate times for mourning and contrition. But this was a time for rejoicing.
Perhaps we can take a lesson from God's Word about how to celebrate His greatest provision to mankind, eternal life through Jesus Christ his Son. Perhaps Easter 2021 will be a celebration we'll all remember. And perhaps the Sundays leading up to that Easter will give us many times to practice mini-celebrations of being with the assembly of God and praising Him for all He has done for us, every day of every week, all year long.
We're certainly thanking God for all of you!!!
Waiting Our plans were to leave for Greece in July, but now that departure date is up in the air. We hope to learn in May about our Visa application and Greece's plans to open for foreigners.
Partnership Through Prayer & Giving "as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many."
- 2 Corinthians 1:11
We praise the Lord for providing partners like you! Here are several specific items for which we would greatly appreciate prayer. - Health/welfare of the coffeehouse, staff, and community we serve - Greek visa application process - Selection of housing and school(s) for the children - Sale of our house here in Maryville - Children's adjustment to leaving the US and living in Greece Thank you for your prayers and generosity!
