By Pastor Tom
We celebrated Easter just a short time ago. The music was spectacular and powerful. There were flowers and fancy dresses and colorful shirts, happy expressions and joyful greetings. I love Easter. I wore my new suit. It was yellow, my favorite color. I must say, I turned a few heads and received many compliments, along with the repeated inquiry, “Where did you get that beautiful suit? Where can I get one like it?” I smiled and said, “Africa, Freetown to be exact.” But I must say, I did not wear the suit to impress anyone or to gain attention. I wore the suit proudly because it was a gift, and it enabled me to express the joy and gratitude I have for an even greater gift—the gift of eternal life freely given and provided on the cross, guaranteed by the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. My yellow suit assisted me in proclaiming the good news.
Easter was just a few weeks ago, but it’s not over. I like to say, “Easter is!” Death remains a defeated antagonist. Antagonist? Yes, but defeated. It is Easter and new life that gives hope and promise; purpose is granted and discovered when there is life.
My favorite flower is the sunflower. It grows on a thick stemlike stalk, stands tall with a large circular flower head filled with seeds and enclosed with yellow petals. When the sun comes up, the flower turns its giant head to face the sun and smiles in delight. When the wind blows, it dances, waving back and forth. There is life. The seeds of the sunflower are many, and they themselves give life; they remind me of Easter, where life is won and freely offered. Color me yellow, the color of Easter. Thanks for listening.
