Pastor's Ponderings

by Rev. Judy Crane Jones, Pastor Christ Memorial Church

I realize that this winter has not been as rough as some past years, but nevertheless I was very happy to see Spring come our way again. I am always pleased to celebrate Easter. The Easter Sunrise service seems to call us out of the dullness of winter and the deep thought of the Lenten season. Where we have seen the draped cross, we now see the garland of lilies. Most of our services during Lent have been without the cheery colors of flowers. On Easter morning we are greeted with the sight and aroma of lilies, tulips, mums, hyacinths, and azaleas. This is an aroma that can transport me back to the Easter mornings of my childhood. This is an aroma that takes me to the Palace Theater in downtown Columbus. The stirring sounds of the theater organ and large choirs, and the sight of the “Easter Parade” down Broad Street.

I often wonder, how much I really understood, as a kid celebrating Easter. I know that part of the excitement came from the new clothes (well, I was excited about everything but the hats mom made me wear). As all kids do, I found it exciting to go out for breakfast and then later to be presented with a lovely basket full of goodies. But as Paul reminded the people of the church in Corinth, there does come a time to put away childish notions and childish things. There has to be a time for each of us when we begin to see the events of Easter for what it really is. Easter is the heart and soul of our faith. Easter is the event that changed the world forever. Easter is the way we learn about the forgiveness, grace and love of God as taught by Christ’s death and resurrection.

I, like millions of others in the world, wear a cross necklace or pin nearly everyday. Not as just a piece of jewelry, but as a reminder of the gift Christ gave for all of us. Christ gave up His very life so that we might know the love God has for us. I wear the cross to remind myself how to love and care for the people I meet each day. I wear the cross to make Easter’s lessons part of my daily life. The childish views of Easter, with the cute chicks and bunnies is replaced with a picture of true love the is shared throughout the whole year. Let your life be changed by the gift of grace this Easter and everyday to follow. As the communion prayer reads: “We remember Christ’s death, we celebrate Christ’s resurrection, and we await Christ’s return “ May this Easter be the starting point of a deeper faith for each of us.

All Are Welcome
Christ Memorial Church
2440 York Street

Maundy Thursday Service at Christ Memorial at 7:30 pm

Good Friday Service at Mission Covenant 7:30 pm

Easter Sunrise Service 7:30am

Easter Breakfast 8:30 am & Regular Service at 10:30 am At Christ Memorial.