Another Resurrection Celebration (aka Easter) has come and gone.  This is my favorite day of the entire year for several reasons.  First, of course, is it' reminder of what Jesus did for me, choosing to stay through all the abuse, pain and death because He knew He was (is) humanity's only hope.  He could have stepped down at any time, but He stayed for me -- AMAZING!

Another reason I love Easter is it's representation of new beginnings.  Jesus rose from the dead, conquered death, rose again and started a new era in the human saga.  No longer tied to the law, a picture reminding us of our inability to keep it, we are now free from the law and tied to the Savior through grace. 

Easter also happens in the Spring which is always a time for new beginnings.  Flowers pop up, trees bloom, my ducks show up at the feeder, signaling their new beginnings in the nesting game.  Everywhere you look, you see new life appearing from the last vestiges of winter, which represents death.

Easter has always been a time of new beginnings in my personal life as well.  Each year I look forward to what God is going to do this year.  Sometimes it's a psychological breakthrough and sometimes it's just something simple like a reminder that I am loved.  Whatever happens, I know it will lead to a new beginning for me in some way.  I look forward to this mutual ritual between my Savior and I more than little children look forward to Santa Claus. 

This year my Resurrection Celebration was a new experience.  God reminded me recently that, when we worship Him, He is not just a passive observer.  He doesn't just sit on His throne soaking up all the praise.  He is interacting with us, tapping His toes, and participating in ways we can only imagine.  This has changed my worship experience for the better.  Instead of thinking of God as a passive observer, I can imagine that tapping toe or those clapping hands.  I can imagine the Holy Spirit dancing around the room, a colorful flame touching hearts all through the room. How awesome is that!

I'm keeping my "gift" from God this Easter to myself for a while until I have time to fully assimilate and understand it, but I already anticipate the coming year and next year's Resurrection Celebration.  Who knows.  Maybe next year, Jesus will attend in person to take up His church.  Now that would be an Easter to remember!