When Easter Sunday Turns into Messy Monday

This Easter things were different in many ways. This was the first holiday my daughter has never been home and that left an empty spot in our hearts. There was no physical gathering with our church family. In fact, the entire week was strange.

There were online services, children's online lessons, and zoom meetings. Those were different. But the cookies, breads, flowers, family meals, and the celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ were the same. 

However, the meaning of Easter Sunday can get lost as stumble into the messiness of a Monday morning.  And yet, the fact remains that our Lord is still risen and what are we going to do with that fact?

As believers we often get caught up in the hype of the holidays. We've created these high and holy days and over the top celebrations when every day of our lives should be a quiet celebration of what Christ has done for us.  If I don't allow Him to work in the messiness of my Monday then why do I think celebrating on Easter Sunday has any meaning at all? 

If Christ isn't Lord on Messy Monday then what I do on Easter Sunday is just making empty noise.  Is He still the Savior of your soul in the middle of your messes?  Are you living each day with Him as Lord of your life, and not just Lord on some heavenly throne that has no meaning for your every day life?  

We spout the words, "Christ is risen!" "He is risen indeed!" and yet we often live as if He's still hanging on the cross.  Have we forgotten the power He has over sin and death? Have we stopped the story at the crucifixion and forgotten to say as Job, "I know my Redeemer lives and he will stand on the earth at last?"

It's Monday and it's messy and hard, but Easter Sunday continues 365 days a year. He is risen! He is risen indeed!