He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. — Matthew 28:6 (KJV)
Easter morning always brings me back to childhood—the scent of vinegar dyes, the soft laughter of my older sister filled with awe as we watched The Ten Commandments. Her eyes seemed to lead mine to the bigger picture—Moses coming down from Mount Sinai, carrying God’s commandments, the light from the screen dancing across our colored fingers stained purple, blue, red, and green from dying Easter eggs.
I remember how those colors contrasted with my pastel Easter dress, quaint white buckle shoes, and little anklet socks. My hair was neatly combed, held firm with hairspray—the taste still lingering as I tried to look “perfect.”
Our Easter baskets and candy would wait a few more hours, the anticipation of the egg hunt after church keeping me alert through the early service. Even as I sat restless, I remember always looking up—trying to see Jesus somewhere in the sanctuary. My eyes fixed on the picture of Him praying at Gethsemane, scanning upward toward the ceiling, searching for His presence.
No one, except Jesus, was perfect—but we all tried our best. I travel back to that memory today and smile—if only we could go back.
Enjoy your Easter. Jesus is Risen.
— Lisa Loucks-Christenson, Founder, MMJ, and Publisher of the Rochester Sun News