I live by my calendar. All of my meetings, outings and obligations are listed on it. I consult it before I plan anything new. Without it, I would be lost and would likely forget something important. But, as critical as my calendar is, it’s not 100% correct.
For example, it says that Easter is Sunday, March 31. That’s true, of course. It’s just not the full truth. Easter isn’t just one day in the Christian Church. It’s a season. While we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus on March 31, it’s just the beginning of the celebration. Easter is actually 50 days long! The Easter season concludes with the celebration of Pentecost, the day we give thanks for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
It makes sense when you think about it. The resurrection is such a life-giving and life-changing event that one day can’t possibly contain it. The joy of the resurrection rightfully spills over into the days and weeks that follow. It’s no wonder that it takes 50 days to properly celebrate it!
It can, however, be a challenge to keep our celebratory energy steady for 50 days. Case in point: Did you know that there’s a special nickname for the Sunday after Easter? It’s called Low Sunday, but not for a good reason. In Protestant circles, we use the name Low Sunday because of lower attendance the Sunday after Easter. It’s as if some people have decided that the party is over and opt to stay home. But, as noted above, the party is just getting started.
This year, we have something special to look forward to on the Sunday after Easter, April 7. Rev. Dr. Robin Lindsey will be preaching both services that morning, and it will be memorable as we kick off our new sermon series, Easter Awakenings: Waking Up to Faith, Holiness and Life.
The season of Easter is an amazing 50 days, but, in reality, Easter never ends. Christians are meant to live in the joy of the resurrection. We continue to celebrate that Jesus defeated death. We also celebrate that, through Jesus, we can defeat death as well and have eternal life. Hallelujah!
The Rev. William James captured this sentiment well when he wrote the beloved Easter hymn, Easter People, Raise Your Voices in 1979. In the third verse, he says:
“Every day to us is Easter, with its resurrection song. When in trouble move the faster to our God who rights the wrong. Alleluia! Alleluia! See the power of heavenly throngs.”
Rev. James spent most of his ministry career serving in Harlem. He had a special affinity for ministering to the homeless and street gangs. He wanted everyone to know the joy of the resurrection, so much so that he was still working part-time into his 90s, focusing on evangelism.
Rev. James is correct. We are an Easter people. Every day to us should be Easter. Let’s put that on our calendars so we don’t forget that the celebration lives on!