Message of Easter forever fresh
The celebration of Easter has certainly changed in many ways during my eight decades, but its meaning and impact remain constant. The story of the resurrection cannot be altered. We might lose sight of it, we might even choose to ignore it.
We might, in our feeble humanity, allow Easter bonnets and colored eggs, baby chicks and bunny rabbits to take precedence over the more serious activities. But within our heart of hearts, the Christ of the Manger and of the Cross has risen. We are forgiven, and the newness of springtime serves as evidence of God’s goodness.
The cross has been the primary symbol of Easter throughout the centuries, and will remain so. Without the cross, there would be no resurrection. But our praises and pageants and songs are centered on the empty tomb, a symbol that would be difficult to wear on a chain or decorate with an Easter lily.
I have many good Easter memories, but Easter of 1984 occurred for me on July 16. I was in Oberammergau, Germany, with a tour group, there to experience a special presentation of the village’s passion play.
This small village has a wonderful story, known today worldwide for this once-every-decade event. The story begins in 1633 when the Black Death, the plague that had swept over Europe for 12 generations, touched every nook and cranny, and left countless families in hopeless situations.
The citizens
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