The buildup to this week started with Palm Sunday. That Lord’s Day was capped off that evening by Drew Archer’s presentation of the Gospel of Mark. That was so helpful to me and brought fresh insights into that gospel. The tone for the week was set.

The pace quickened at our Maundy Thursday Communion that incorporated elements from a Tenebrae service. It was so beneficial to give attention to the work of Christ on behalf of sinners. We were able to get inside the final hours of Jesus’ suffering and leave in an attitude of somber reflection.

Then, Easter morning provided the great contrast and we hit the peak. Whereas we left this building Thursday in somber silence with lights dimmed, we returned Sunday morning to light, joy, laughter, and fellowship! Great food at the annual Easter breakfast, joyful conversation, and happy children set the appropriate tone. Our sanctuary brimmed with the joy of celebration of Christ’s resurrection. My own afternoon was capped off with a great lunch and having my oldest son, Andrew, home from college was icing on the cake!

Now, I’m back in the office. Andrew is back at school at Covenant College. Connie and the boys are back in the classroom. Kenny Rahn came by and together we took down the white cloth that had draped the cross in the sanctuary. Our banners in front of the church that once informed passers-by of our Easter services are down. What I would call the “after Easter blues” are creeping up.

But then it hits me, God has put into my weekly calendar an appointment to rejoice in Christ’s resurrection. He has carved out time for me to reflect on Jesus life, death, and resurrection surrounded by others who share that joy as well. Easter is there for the celebrating every Lord’s Day- if not every moment. Christ’s resurrection is not like a federal holiday that only means for me that the banks are closed and no mail will come. Christ’s resurrection is the reality behind all reality. Without it there’s no hope, no joy, no comfort, and no confidence. Easter simply brings the resurreciton into clearer focus but the good news is always good, it’s always fresh and it’s never out of date.