On A Sunday Like This

A long time ago, on a Sunday morning like this, I was singing and playing in a Children's Church classroom, much like I had done every week during that time. I was in the 2nd Grade and it was Spring time. I had just enjoyed a week of Easter festivities at school. We had watched Peter Rabbit in class as a treat and I had helped with decorations of eggs, bunnies and baby chicks. We even had an Easter Party complete with classic jelly beans, cupcakes and  'peeps'.

 

 

On that faithful Easter Morning, after songs of rejoicing and games, my precious Children's Church Leader, Sister Ice began the lesson of the day. She started by asking the class what Easter was all about. I rose and shook my hand gesturing and pleading for her to pick me. And she did. I proudly shared my answer: "Easter is the day that the Easter Bunny goes around and gives Easter Eggs to all the kids!" The class burst out in laughter as I looked around in confusion. I was so sure my answer was correct! Sister Ice settled the class and sweetly corrected: "No, no dear, Easter is not about the Easter Bunny." Soon another volunteer shared boldly: "Easter is the time when Jesus died for our sins!"

 

I was immediately shocked and greatly saddened by this news. Someone had died? It was so hard for me to understand and difficult to take in that such an exciting time as this had to do with someone dying. So you can only imagine my wonder and amazing as I began to hear about His Resurrection! I didn't understand, but this set the framework for my understanding of Salvation. A seed planted on a Sunday like this lead to the sequence of my very real and permanent salvation through accepting Christ Jesus into my life as Lord and Redeemer as a child that same summer, in a little church on a Ranch.

 

I watched a movie of this symbolic book over and over again as a child.
The moment I surrendered my life to Christ, my eyes opened and I immediately understood...

 

I share my true experience to encourage all of us who are entrusted with the high honor of caring for and teaching children, whether in our own homes or within our places of worship. You have the power to be part of an amazing transformation! Cherish it and claim it as part of your divine purpose for today. And don't underestimate the power of the songs you sing, the lessons you teach and the games you play. You are developing future Lovers of God! I believe this is what God commands.

Lastly, although I feel rather hostile toward Easter commercialism just like with Christmas as shared in The Anti-Claus, I have realized that it can work in our advantage. My parents made it a point to make the Easter period a festive experience for us because it is the epitome of our infinite joy!

Reminds me of my 3rd Grade Oversized Easter present from my Parents
A gift I sincerely cherished and fondly named "Rabbity"



We are celebrating Eternal VICTORY today! There is no better time to bask in the Love and Faithfulness of God! So today I extend this tradition to my children. I still haven't figured out the words to say to explain the Sacrifice that Christ made for us, but at least I can sow some seeds on a Sunday Like This.