Easter 2016

The life and ministry of Jesus are remembered systematically via the annual cycle of the liturgical year - beginning with Advent. 

Devoting time and space to observe the seasons with the general Body of Christ is a meaningful way to grow in one's faith. After all, Christianity is not merely a personal faith but a communal one too. We, like the Israelites, are a people of Bread. Eating manna together in the wilderness made Israel a nation. Satisfying our spiritual hunger on Christ - the Bread of Life - likewise makes us a people. A body. Corporate worship builds up the Body (1 Cor 14:26). As each season of the liturgical year owns its unique mood, theological/Scriptural emphasis, sermon theme, prayers, colours, and traditions... the liturgical year spurs unceasing corporate worship that never needs to grow mundane... simply because there is a sacred time for every angle of Gospel reflection. It is not just about celebrating. It is about maturing a Church that is constantly being scrutinised and attacked, a Church that is vulnerable to false teachers, a Church that is mocked for being deluded and foolish (to say naught about the things we often do to embarrass/discredit ourselves - but may God glorify Himself). The liturgical year is not just about practicing religion. It sets the foundation for the "religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father" i.e. to care for the afflicted and keep oneself uncorrupted by the ways of the world (James 1:27). The liturgical year is not just about spiritual disciplines. It is about love - God's self-giving love for us in Jesus Christ. 

Easter. 

I wasn't too keen on Easter egg hunts (because I'm just not that kind of mom), chocolate, fun parties, and etc. It was quite your typical Sunday for us - except for the fact that we went to church at 10 am for a combined Easter service (which combines the attendees of all three Sunday services). We also didn't sit in the creche like we usually do. Sophie alternated between our laps, a chair, and the floor at the back of the crowded hall. I was pretty distracted. And too warm for my own good. However, I was glad that I was able to, for the first time, communicate to Sophie that church is a serious matter. (Before this, it was tricky.) I am not saying that I don't believe in having fun at church. It's fine to laugh and rejoice. It's fine to play on the slides and swings after service. It's fine to push chairs around the creche if you are a baby/toddler - as long as you don't make too much noise. However, church is not just about these - and I find it hard to teach Sophie that through the creche - where she can be free to roam and wander throughout the service. We, adults, sometimes don't show our kids a stellar example too, by chatting to one another in the creche while the service is ongoing, haha. Sometimes, church can be constraining, discouraging, and the last place you want to be on a Sunday morning (or evening). But we go because we love Jesus and the Body. (Better late than never, haha.) We keep silent out of respect for those who want to listen to the sermon - even if we'd like to shout our lungs out. We give and serve (even when we get peanuts back) so that we bless those within the walls as well as beyond. We forgive those who hurt us because we are family. And we worship because it fortifies the boundaries of Christ's Kingdom on Earth (and we remember that we're its citizens). We do so because Easter happened. Jesus will return. The one who died on the cross is alive. Those who believe in Him are alive in Him. 

Yups, it's a lot to communicate to a little girl in one morning. And we didn't do much ourselves but go sssssh, ssssh, sssssssssssh - mostly. But this shall be our mission throughout Pentecost. 

Happy Easter.