WHAT does the Easter Weekend mean to you? For some, it’s an opportunity to take a welcome break. For others, it’s “The Wonderful Everyday” with something flat, and packed. Meanwhile, if the weather holds, those Bank Holidays can be just right for a BBQ.
And, what about that Cadbury classic? The Cadbury Creme Egg. I mean shrinkflation to one side, what’s not to like about that milk chocolate shell, replete with gooey fondant centre, emulsifier E442, and that funky swirl of paprika extract. And, if you are into these moreish treats, times two or three, how do you eat yours?
Now, while we might recognise some of these things, what about Welwyn Evangelical Church, in Fulling Mill Lane. What do you think we do over Easter Weekend?
Good Friday
Well, notwithstanding a break, some DIY, charcoaled food, and something sweet, on Good Friday, we meet at 10.30am, to remember the events surrounding Jesus’ death on the cross, just over 2000 years ago.
In the New Testament we are told that Jesus was betrayed by a close follower called Judas, and after various court appearances, Jesus was mocked and tortured, and crucified. And, as Jesus was on the cross, He endured indescribable shame, and agony, as God the Father punished Him for all the things we do wrong, so that we might have peace with God. As it is written, “He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.” (1 John 2:2 NLT).
Easter Saturday
So, if that’s Good Friday, on Saturday morning, the Church reconvenes for something less formal. We catch up with family and friends, head out for an Easter Egg Hunt (see over for details), back for light refreshments, and round off with a short message to the children about faith in Jesus. After all, Jesus said to His close followers, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” (Mark 10:14–15 NLT).
Easter Sunday
And then, on Easter Sunday at 11.00am, we meet to celebrate Jesus’ victory over the grave. In the Bible we are told that after Jesus bowed His head and gave up His spirit, His body was taken down from the cross, and He was buried in a stone tomb. And, while Jesus’ close followers were deeply upset by His death, on Easter Sunday, their distress turned to joy and amazement, as they came face-to-face with their risen Lord and Saviour. “As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, ‘Peace to you!’” (Luke 24:36 ESVUK).
Jesus Christ the foundation
So, while the Easter Weekend can mean lots of different things to us, above anyone or anything else, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation upon which we are to build our lives—not just for the present, but for all eternity. It’s Jesus alone, who defeats sin, death, and hell, and offers us new life with Him.
Invitation
If you want to know more about the Christian faith, why not re-think your diary for this Easter Weekend. It would be our privilege to meet you and share with you something of Christ and His Gospel, because “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9 ESVUK).
Jamie Campbell
Pastor, Welwyn Evangelical Church