ALT-1 Ways to Observe Resurrection Sunday
Resurrection Sunday, also known as Easter Sunday, can be celebrated in a variety of ways from intimate gatherings of family and friends to group worship services.
Resurrection Sunday is a day to celebrate Jesus rising from the dead three days after being crucified. This is the biggest holiday of the year for Christians, it is even more exciting than Jesus' birth celebrated on Christmas. Jesus rising from the dead is the center and heart of the Christian faith.
The most traditional way of celebrating Resurrection Sunday is to attend a worship service. Resurrection Sunday is the most highly attended service of the year in most churches, followed closely by Christmas. Most churches offer several services on this day ranging from early morning sunrise services to later morning, afternoon and even evening ones. Worship on Resurrection Sunday is centered on Jesus rising from the dead. The songs, lesson and other activities are all centered on the resurrection and the hope and joy that come from the fact that Jesus rose from the dead. It is a very celebratory feel in church on Resurrection Sunday.
However, there are other ways of celebrating Resurrection Sunday. Many families come together for a meal and this can be a time to remember all that you are grateful for and to bond with your family and close friends. When the family is together you can read from the bible the story of the resurrection which can be found in any of the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John) and talk about it together. Talk about what the resurrection of Jesus means to you. Encourage the children to ask questions and give their interpretation. You can also pray together. Resurrection Sunday is a great day to gather some close friends or family for a time of prayer. Use your prayer time to praise God for his son and for the victory that was achieved when Jesus rose from the dead.
The most important thing about Resurrection Sunday is to not let the message of Jesus rising from the dead and what that means get overshadowed by commercialism. Chocolate bunnies and Easter eggs are great fun and can be included in your day, but that should not be all the day is about. Take the time to remember what Jesus rising from the dead means. He died on a cross to save us and to wash away our sins. Without him dying and rising again there would be no hope of us sharing eternity with God in heaven. Jesus removes the barrier, our sin, and allows us access to God. Without him we would not be able to have a relationship with God. Take the time to reflect on all that the cross and Jesus rising from the dead means on Resurrection Sunday.
