Today is Saturday…between Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday.  And this is exactly where we live as Christians.  But why do we like to jump straight to Easter morning?

I recently read a couple blogs that talked about this very issue.  Check out "Good Friday" at HERE I STAND and "Post 5: Isaiah 53:10-12" at curious notions.  I was intrigued by this question and want to ponder this with you for a couple moments.

This year, the combined Maundy Thursday and Good Friday worship attendance was the lowest I have seen since I began serving at Salem in 2004 (and this was the second year with Salem AND Belmont worshipping together).  Good Friday attendance was the highest I have seen, but Maundy Thursday took a big hit.  Last year our Easter services (Salem Lutheran Church) saw the largest attendance in about 7 seven years (Belmont was about average).  So I am curious what tomorrow will bring. 

My point is this:  Are more and more people ignoring the "dark" side of life; ignoring the cross and focusing on the resurrection alone?  For me Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are very powerful.  It makes me think about the person I am and the great passion our of Lord.  I don’t think I could blow off Holy Week and jump straight to Easter (outside the fact that I am a Lutheran pastor and cannot blow off Holy Week).  I need to be reminded of my sinfulness and the darkness of our Christian walk.  I need to be reminded of what Jesus went through for me.  It is through this dark journey that the love of Jesus Christ truly shines forth.

Last night (Good Friday) I led a worship service of contemplation.  We took a journey that started in the Garden of Gethsemane and ended at the tomb.  Along the way we took some "pit stops" to contemplate and listen.  I allowed for long moments of silence to think about the scripture that was read and to listen to God speaking to us.  I had never done anything like this in worship before and personally it was a powerful experience for me.  I saw Good Friday in a whole new light.  I think Easter will be different for me this year.

If you skipped over Holy Week or any parts of it, I urge you to go to scripture and read the Passion story.  I urge you to not forget about the darkness of our lives and sinfulness that encompasses it.  We have to go through the cross to get to Easter. 

Today is Saturday…and this is where we live.  But we live here in the hope of the resurrection.  That is the Good News so there is no reason to be in despair.  Have a joyous and blessed Easter.  AMEN! -edh-