Easter

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Is Easter Tuesday a thing? If it is, then today is Easter Tuesday!

It is always an interesting experience to celebrate a festival when you are in a different context. Easter this year felt different to usual. Holy Week is normally reflective running up to Good Friday, which is a very special day focused on the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. We tend to go to church several times for a Maundy Thursday event, and a Good Friday eveny, and the Easter Sunday service. 

There is very specific feeling that accompanies Easter Sunday - the wonderful celebration of life after death. Rejoicing in the triumph of Jesus over sin, death and hell, and how he has forged a new path from earth to heaven that we can follow. Singing 'Thine be the glory' or similar Easter hymns and meaning every word. Even the chocolate eggs feel special.

But this year, I tried to feel as I feel at home over Easter and failed. 

But what was comforting was the fact that the essential truths behind Easter remains the same. 
  • Jesus still died on the cross, giving up his life to death, experiencing punishment in our place. 
  • And He still rose from death, proving Himself the Son of God whose promises are true, and who will raise us up from death to life. 
  • It still means we can have hope for the good and glory of God to be evident here and now, because we give our lives to Jesus who is very much alive! 
There was another big difference this Easter. During the night, anti-drone fire was seen and heard near our apartment. It seems drones were sent from anti-government groups to target military bases, and soldiers near our apartment were aiming to bring them down. While we have heard firepower before, and occasionally seen 'fireworks' (tracer shots), this was easily the closest encounter we have had. While you know the shots are going up into the sky, it is still disconcerting when the tracer shots are visible and sometimes over your head!

The glory of Jesus' victory is essential here in Syria, for this land is in deep need of a Saviour who has overcome the enemy's worst attacks. The glory of the Lord who has passed through death and been raised to life bringing hope and help brings light that is needed in the dark places here. So while it did not feel very Easter-y this year, it was an Easter I will not forget. 



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