Celebrate

When we were younger, our family spent Easter in England. Each morning, my sister and I would run around our grandparents’ garden trying to find the mini chocolate eggs that had been hidden a few hours before. This was a delightful daily occurrence, culminating on Easter Sunday morning with a giant easter egg hunt, resulting in a very tasty, chocolate filled breakfast.

Easter celebrations have changed a bit since then. This year, Easter Sunday is in the midst of a very wet rainy season, with only a packet of mini eggs to satisfy my chocolate cravings.

And I’m coming to Easter with a mind that’s filled with questions for God: wondering whether I’m doing the right things with my life, feeling challenged with the situations that are in front of me, excited by what’s to come, passionate about creating change in the local community I’m currently part of. With aims to be strong and courageous, to actively seek God’s kingdom.

Yet in the middle of my rambling prayers, God stops me in my tracks and says, “celebrate”.

Celebrate Easter, like you used to, with a carefree mind and joyful heart.
Celebrate sin forgiven and unconditional love.
Celebrate that Jesus is alive.

Easter is not the time for asking questions, nor is it the day for planning the days in front of me. You see, I didn’t become a Christian because I thought that it would solve all my problems, or because it would bring comfort when I was in a tricky situation. My faith is founded on a relationship with God that’s made possible through Jesus. And that’s why Easter is a time for celebration.

This week I’ve been challenged by Jesus’s words just before he was arrested, the night before he was crucified:

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me. Yet not my will but yours be done” Luke 22:42 


Jesus was human. He didn’t want to die. He didn’t do it himself. He didn’t actively seek the steps that came next. But left it to God.

Crucifixion happened.

Then later, resurrection.

When God encourages me to celebrate, I need to trust His will be done, instead of mine. It shouldn’t be me, asking questions and expecting a certain answer; or praying for change to happen overnight. It’s remembering the bigger picture, the heart of my faith, and celebrating what Christianity is, and how Jesus made it possible.

Happy Easter. Celebrate well.