More than Hop: Hope in Easter

I could take an Easter design column in a few directions.  I could talk about the use and impact of pastel colors.  Or I could tell you more about livening up your home with spring as the theme.  Or I could even put a cheeky twist on the Easter message and discuss home projects you could accomplish in three days.  But I could also just tell it like it is. 

 We acknowledged the design in God’s plan at Christmas.  And the true message of Easter is no different.  We could let a hopping Easter Bunny be the only focus of the day, or we could celebrate the ultimate hope we have this Easter.  Because Christ died for us, we have the opportunity to be saved.  Jesus suffered and died an unimaginable death on a wooden cross.  But the cross did not keep Him.  He rose from death to give us life.  He chose us.  The Lord loves each and every one of us more than I can fathom.  And He gave up everything to bridge the gap between us and God.  The design that unfolded all those many years ago continues to change lives as people come to know the Lord as their Savior and ruler of their lives. 

This Easter Sunday, my hope is that those who have accepted Christ’s gift of salvation relish this opportunity to celebrate His victory over death and find refreshment in their relationship with Him at this, the start of spring.  And for those who want to know more about Jesus and the free gift of salvation He offers, know that when you seek Him, you find Him.  I love that symbolism in the Easter egg hunts that will take place in countless yards today; Christ is right there, ready to be found by His people.  Talk to a Christian minister or friend or family member and find the answers to the questions you may have about what a relationship with Jesus really looks like.

It is that relationship, that acceptance, which is the ultimate design for our lives.  May you and your family have a truly Happy Easter.

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star April 8th.