There are three things that I like to do on Easter weekend.

1. Watch The Passion of the Christ – Every time I watch this film I am struck anew at what Christ endured for me. I want to look away when He is being scourged but I force myself to contemplate what was going through His mind as the cat-of-nine-tails ripped through His flesh over and over again. I believe that in those moments He thought of every sin that has ever been committed and the reason that He was being punished on our behalf. Yes, my friend, your face, your sin and your eventual salvation were on his heart as he suffered unfathomable pain and anguish.
2. Listen to Handel’s Messiah – I have loved this oratorio since I first heard it as a child. Perhaps my favorite performance was when my daughter was a junior in high school. The four choirs from Crystal Lake South High School, along with a choir and the orchestra from Conant High School filled that gymnasium with the glorious music that has endured since it was written in 1741. Yes, this is a public school!
3. Attend a Sunrise Service – Traditionally the service starts early in the morning and is timed so that the sun rises as the service unfolds. The sunrise symbolizes that the Son has risen and is no longer in the grave. What a beautiful way to to begin Resurrection Day.

He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. – Matthew 28:6 NASB

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The Passion of the Christ

Handel’s Messiah

NIV Study Bible

NRSV, Simple Faith Bible

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