For the first time in my life, the glory of Easter has been dramatically emphasized in my environment. Growing up in an Adventist home and Korean church, there was no typical celebration either to the Pagan Easter bunny or to the Cross of Jesus. I don't know if its the coincidence of being a pastor's wife or being in a different church community, but this season is more to remember than a marshmallow bunny.
It all started out with Isaac deciding to introduce me to Lent. He wasn't going to eat red meat for 40 days and challenged me to give up something. Since, I'm trying to lose weight, I said I will not eat white rice. Its unusual for Adventists to celebrate the "Catholic Lent." However, I thought it was neat to derive something positive out of something outside my circle. Then, Isaac had a Sabbath School lesson on Lent: the origin, significance in the past and present, etc. In this process, I had my initial moments of thinking about Christ's suffering and sacrifice.
At our Calimesa Church, the congregation was challenged to create an artform of what the cross means to them. This was another opportunity for me to focus on the cross and evaluate its personal significance.
Last Sunday, the young adults made a trip to Crystal Cathedral in Anaheim to watch "The Glory of Easter." This particular season's musical production was on the Life of Jesus. It was quite interesting to observe scenes that included live animals, opera singers, flying angels and laser action. This portrayal of the death & resurrection of Jesus was someone else's (the authors, the directors) interpretation & presentation. The visual presentation challenged me in some ways and continued my thought process.
Tonight on Good Friday, we worshiped with songs & readings that focused on the Last Supper, the Cross, and the Resurrection. I appreciated the simplicity of reading Scripture that allowed my own imagination to be more active rather than seeing an interpretation. The overall worship was very calm and serene that concluded with a candle lighting ceremony in the garden. I also appreciated that this program didn't try to overwhelm my emotions and concentrated on the positive qualities of the cross.
After all this, what does the cross mean to me? The cross is a symbol of love and hope. Through Christ's love, I am a new creation where all the ugliness is at the feet of the cross. I am melancholy when I initially think about what does the cross carries. The cross nailed all my crap: impatience, greed, arrogance, etc. Therefore, the cross itself is very dirty and filthy, but its more than that. Its soooooooooooooo gracious that God allows me to come just as I am and through His Resurrection invites me to engage with God & His plan. It is at the wondrous cross & open tomb that hope renews the life I live with purpose and peace.
It all started out with Isaac deciding to introduce me to Lent. He wasn't going to eat red meat for 40 days and challenged me to give up something. Since, I'm trying to lose weight, I said I will not eat white rice. Its unusual for Adventists to celebrate the "Catholic Lent." However, I thought it was neat to derive something positive out of something outside my circle. Then, Isaac had a Sabbath School lesson on Lent: the origin, significance in the past and present, etc. In this process, I had my initial moments of thinking about Christ's suffering and sacrifice.
At our Calimesa Church, the congregation was challenged to create an artform of what the cross means to them. This was another opportunity for me to focus on the cross and evaluate its personal significance.
Last Sunday, the young adults made a trip to Crystal Cathedral in Anaheim to watch "The Glory of Easter." This particular season's musical production was on the Life of Jesus. It was quite interesting to observe scenes that included live animals, opera singers, flying angels and laser action. This portrayal of the death & resurrection of Jesus was someone else's (the authors, the directors) interpretation & presentation. The visual presentation challenged me in some ways and continued my thought process.
Tonight on Good Friday, we worshiped with songs & readings that focused on the Last Supper, the Cross, and the Resurrection. I appreciated the simplicity of reading Scripture that allowed my own imagination to be more active rather than seeing an interpretation. The overall worship was very calm and serene that concluded with a candle lighting ceremony in the garden. I also appreciated that this program didn't try to overwhelm my emotions and concentrated on the positive qualities of the cross.
After all this, what does the cross mean to me? The cross is a symbol of love and hope. Through Christ's love, I am a new creation where all the ugliness is at the feet of the cross. I am melancholy when I initially think about what does the cross carries. The cross nailed all my crap: impatience, greed, arrogance, etc. Therefore, the cross itself is very dirty and filthy, but its more than that. Its soooooooooooooo gracious that God allows me to come just as I am and through His Resurrection invites me to engage with God & His plan. It is at the wondrous cross & open tomb that hope renews the life I live with purpose and peace.
1 comment:
There is certainly occasion for some celebration!
http://adventistsnotcult.blogspot.com/2008/01/cadillac-jack-movies-and-fiction.html
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