Easter Cannot Be Cancelled

We live in confusing and uncertain times. Lately it seems every day we open our newsfeed or email to read about another closure, canceled appointment or postponed event. However, each one of us has an event scheduled in our calendar that will not be canceled. It is coming soon and COVID-19 does not have any influence on or power over it. This event is Easter.

Easter, just a few weeks away, cannot and will not be canceled. This is one event we can look forward to without worry that it might be altered.
 
This present time in history is strange and uncertain, not unlike another confusing morning many years ago just after Jesus, the Messiah, had been crucified. Those who loved Him were left broken and bewildered, but when Jesus rose from the dead, He made all that was confusing very clear. On that day, history was forever changed. Death was conquered through Christ’s resurrection.

That event changed everything and makes this moment in history not so scary. In fact, there is a beautiful hope that we can now possess. We no longer need to fear death because Christ conquered it. These next few weeks of social isolation could seem daunting. But instead of looking at all the negatives in this situation we can find joy in the midst of this time of turmoil. We can use this time. We are forced to slow down in the next several weeks, so we should purpose to use these days to prepare our hearts to celebrate Easter, the day that Jesus rose from the grave and conquered death. The day that Jesus took the fear of death away for all who trust in Him.

As believers, we can have a renewed appreciation for what took place on that amazing morning.  We may not be able to celebrate Christ’s resurrection together in our physical church buildings throughout the next few weeks. Yet the darkness of our current global situation allows us to be all the more grateful for the greatest miracle that took place on Easter Sunday. The body of Christ does not need a building to celebrate Easter.
 
As Easter approaches we should not lose sight of what took place that wonderful morning. We must proclaim the resurrection now more than ever—through our conversations, social media posts, and service to others. Jesus died and rose so that we might live! So let us pause in the midst of this confusion and remember: Christ rules over death and life (Revelation 1:18).

This Easter, we can sing together (from our homes) the powerful words of this hymn:

Because He Lives

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal and forgive
He lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my savior lives

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives

How sweet to hold a newborn baby
And feel the pride and joy He gives
But greater still the calm assurance
This child can face uncertain day, because He lives

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives

And then one day, I'll cross the river
I'll fight life's final war with pain
And then, as death gives way to victory
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He reigns

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives

Janelle currently serves as the Student Services Advocate for Emmaus Distance Learning. She previously served full-time in several positions in the Student Services Department at Emmaus Bible College, finishing as the Associate Dean for Student Development. She has a Master of Education in College Student Affairs from Azusa Pacific University. She currently enjoys working part-time from home and raising her two children with her husband.