29 Mar 2018

Things Change, We Change, He Never Changes

I was talking with a couple of people on two different occasions about the traditions of Easter. It has always been an exciting time and I still fondly remember our family celebrations and all the preparation for this wonderful holiday. On the calendar, Easter officially ushers in the long-awaited season of Spring. In certain regions of the U.S., it is the exit of the cold, harsh winds, and snowy days of Winter; and the entrance of the warm spring rains of April that help to push up the delicately beautiful Spring flowers.

During our conversations, we recalled how little girls were dressed in frilly pastel dresses, with ruffle socks, patent leather shoes and Easter bonnets (hats); while little boys were decked out in suits and ties, buttoned down shirts, and what we unofficially termed “church shoes”! Oftentimes the whole family was dressed brand new from head to toe, looking fit for the perfect photo shoot as they were off to church. After church was the big dinner feast with all the family’s favorite dishes. Easter egg hunts, various kinds of candies and chocolates added to the joys of the celebration!

Another of my fond memories having grown up in Indianapolis, Indiana was on the corners of major streets in the city, every few blocks there were vendors that had beautiful cut flowers and potted plants for sale. As my parents were driving to church on Easter Sunday morning, I loved seeing the flowers and watching the selections that the people were making. It was my mother that instilled in me at a very young age a deep love and appreciation for flowers and plants. A lot of the things I have shared are now just fond memories. Styles have changed, many families do not make church a priority on special holidays or on a regular basis, and family dinners are few and far between. Reality is, times change, people change, traditions change.

One thing we can be assured of is that our Lord and Savior never changes. The world’s reason and methods of celebrating Easter as a holiday has changed just like everything else. However, the purpose of our Savior, The Messiah’s death, burial and resurrection has and never will change — it remains the same. Jesus willingly gave His life as the sacrificial lamb to bear the sins of this world. He chose to endure an indescribably awful crucifixion as the preeminent plan of redemption. He gave His life, so that we might have everlasting life! At Calvary He loved us, and His unwavering, never failing love is as strong now and forever more. “Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father, there is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not. As Thou has been Thou forever wilt be.”

“For I am the Lord, I change not; . . .”
Malachi 3: 6 (KJV)

Source: First Lady Denise