During my childhood years, the holiday known as “Easter” was often referred to as “Resurrection Sunday.” This is quite understandable, as the whole reason Christians celebrate it is the fact that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Lately, there has been a lot of fuss on Facebook concerning a remark from a reporter. This person is supposed to have stated that this is the first year our nation will not be celebrating Easter. People have been indignant about this declaration because they know it is not valid. Our observance of this spring holiday may not look like the celebrations from the past; however, believers in Christ will still find hope in the day. Church buildings may not be open, but the joy we know in Jesus will not be stopped by a virus or a government-ordered lockdown. Besides, the church is made up of the people who are a part of it, not the buildings where we go to worship.
Worshiping the risen Savior can happen anywhere, on any day, at any moment. One of my favorite places to enjoy His presence is to stand and watch the sun come up in the morning. Even if the sunrise is not particularly colorful, I know the One who created the times and seasons and love to watch His hand at work. When I start feeling worried about the current situation in our world, it brings me peace to know that He is always in control.
Sometimes it is hard not to be overwhelmed with the magnitude of the pandemic crisis that is going on. I find it difficult to fathom the whole scope of what we could be facing in the future. That is when it is time to step back from the big picture and realize that I am not, and never have been, in control. My worry will not stop anything but me. Instead of being frozen by fear, I need to do my part to help where I can. Like calling people to check on them. Or sewing face masks and other items to provide for those who need them. Offering encouragement by sharing devotions I have written. In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t seem like very much, yet I know the Lord can take my little and make it go a long way.
In the end, taking time, energy, and resources to help others is a great way to celebrate Easter. It shows that the Christ who rose from the grave has made a difference in my life and in the lives of countless others.
Even though our observance of Easter will look different this year, celebrate we will. Here are some food ideas from my collection:
Resurrection Rolls
1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
8 large marshmallows
Melted butter
Cinnamon
Sugar
Give each child one triangle shaped section of crescent roll. This represents the tomb.
Each child takes one marshmallow which represents the body of Christ.
Dip marshmallow in butter and roll in cinnamon and sugar mixture. This represents the oils and spices the body was anointed with upon burial.
Lay marshmallow on dough and carefully wrap dough around marshmallow.
Make sure all seams are pinched together well. (Otherwise the marshmallow will “ooze” out of the seams.)
Bake according to package directions. Cool.
Break open the tomb and the body of Christ is no longer there!!
Celebrate God’s love!
Zesty Deviled Eggs
6 hard-cooked eggs, peeled
1/4 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
2 tablespoons real bacon bits
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1-1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
For Garnish: Paprika
Cut eggs in half lengthwise. Slip out yolks and mash with fork in small bowl.
Stir in remaining ingredients except egg white halves.
Fill egg whites with yolk mixture, heaping it lightly.
Garnish with paprika, if desired.
Bunny Carrot Cookies
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup shredded carrot
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
Miniature marshmallows
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
In large bowl, beat butter, sugar, and egg at medium speed until blended (1 to 2 minutes). Add remaining ingredients except marshmallows. Continue beating at low speed until well-mixed (2 to 3 minutes). To shape bunnies, roll one-third of dough into 1-inch balls, one-third into 3/4-inch balls, and remaining third into 1 x 1/4-inch logs to resemble ears. On greased cookie sheets place 1 (1-inch) ball, top with 1 (3/4-inch) ball and 2 logs for ears, making sure balls are touching so that bunny is formed while baking. Bake for 11 to 15 minutes or until top springs back when touched lightly in center. Remove from oven; place 1 marshmallow on bunny to resemble tail. Continue baking 1 to 2 minutes until marshmallow is slightly melted.
Yield: 2-1/2 dozen.
Easter Grass Slaw
4 cups shredded green cabbage
2 cups shredded red cabbage
2 large carrots, shredded
1 medium sweet yellow pepper, chopped
1 large red apple, cored and chopped (I used a Gala)
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper. Pour over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until serving.