It’s Easter—Go Big or Go Home!

Celebrating special holidays and occasions, tossed with the memories they create, bring me joy. I’m enthusiastic about reindeer, flags, turkeys, balloons, party hats, fireworks, hearts, costumes—all of it really.

Especially. All. Things. Easter. Bunnies, bright-colored eggs, baskets, and assorted candy. This year, we’re set to go big. Here’s how.

We’re blessed with an adult son, daughter and son-in-law. Our blessings also include two small fur-babies—family dogs. We call them our little kids. In January, one of the greatest blessings happened. Our first grandchild, Foster, entered the world. Of course, he’s perfect. Absolutely wonderful.

One tradition I’ve kept in place over the years—the kids each have an Easter basket that’s filled with glorious items.

Even the 4-legged furry kids enjoy a basket with treat and toy. And yes, the aforementioned adult kids aren’t left out just because they’re all grown up. Baskets spilling over with various sweet delights—catered to their own personal taste—and a fun game or toy (for ages 12 and up). A competition of paddle ball, parachute men, or magnetic yo-yo is not unusual. Watch a video clip from Easter 2015.

If you’re one of my kids, you have a basket on Easter. There’s no boundaries or limitations. Not age. Not gender. Not bloodline. Both my son and son-in-law meet the same eligibility requirements.

This year, there’s a new kid in town. Since Foster’s only a few months old, candy is not an option. But baby toys will do, and he’ll receive something unique this year. I saved his mom’s first Easter gift—a blue stuffed rabbit holding a carrot. The rabbit’s in impeccable shape. Only a few dirt spots marked his fur that wiped clean. Nothing is torn or tattered, or worn.

And the family rite of a bunny passed down twenty-seven years later, from mommy to baby, warms my heart. It’s not the blue rabbit per se. It’s that mom’s first Easter gift will be his first Easter gift. Maybe, our family will start a new tradition. Give that blue bunny to your kid, who will give it to their kid, who will pass it on to their child, and so on. I wonder how many generations and decades he’ll last?

In the same storage box, we found a pink and white stuffed rabbit adorned with flowers. Most likely my daughter’s second or third Easter gift. “Mom, if I have a girl, I can give her the pink one.”

Easter Sunday, we’ll worship in church together with my husband preaching the Word. Then we’ll all go home (to our house) for Easter lunch and the see-what’s-in-your-basket fun will begin. We’ll take boatloads of pictures, making new memories.

In order to fully celebrate all things Easter, there’s another way we must go big. It has nothing to do with Peter Cottontail hopping down the bunny trail. But everything to do with a family rite passed down through the decades by our spiritual ancestors.

It’s about the first Easter morning and why we recognize the national holiday. The church and Christians celebrate the risen Lord. The resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ.

“I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, NLT).

Sentenced as an innocent man. Crucified at the hands of influential men. Raised to life by the powerful Spirit of God. The tomb is empty.

Jesus came to earth with “go big” plans from the Father. To live among the people, teach them God’s truths, love unconditionally, heal them physically and spiritually, and—here’s the best go big part—die for the sins of all mankind. Die in their place as the sacrificial lamb, providing a way to heaven and abundant life. The Lamb who was impeccable . . . without blemish, was torn and tattered for you and for me. The dirt spots we bear are wiped clean by Calvary’s cross.

The first Easter gift can be your Easter gift. Eternal life purchased for you. God wants you to be one of His kids. There’s no boundaries or limitations. Not age. Not gender. Not bloodline. Jesus became your bloodline on the cross. We each meet the same eligibility requirements. Jesus loves you.

So, go big this Easter.

Meet the Savior who went big for you!

© 2016 by Karen Friday, All rights reserved