Easter bunnies and Jesus

Every Easter, you hope that the Easter Bunny visits your house. You think about Easter baskets and candy, and you might even get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny before the big day. But you're never really sure the Easter Bunny will come until Easter morning!

Jesus' friends would understand how you feel. Jesus had taught them that after He died, He would come back; but like a kid wishing for the Easter Bunny, they weren't really sure that would happen. In this week's Gospel (Luke 24:1-12), they get their answer.

Three days after Jesus died, His friends went to the cave where He was buried. But the big stone covering the cave's opening was rolled away, and Jesus' body was gone! Suddenly, two angels appeared and told them, "Why are you looking for Jesus here with the dead? He is alive!" The Apostles didn't believe it, but Peter ran back to the cave and saw that it was empty.

Even while you're hoping for candy from the Easter Bunny, you're never sure he'll stop at your house. Jesus' followers weren't sure their wish would come true, either -- they weren't sure Jesus would come back to life like He said He would.

On Easter morning, you feel so excited when you see that the Easter Bunny left a chocolate bunny or an Easter basket for you! Jesus' friends had something even better to be excited about, though: When they found the cave where Jesus was buried empty, they knew He rose from the dead. They knew Jesus really was the Son of God!

Easter baskets are fun to get, but we have an even better reason to be excited on Easter morning. We can feel happy because Jesus died for us and, on the very first Easter morning, He came back to life and showed everyone He was God.

Chocolate bunnies don't last forever -- but Jesus is always there for us!

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK: Jesus, help me remember the real reason Easter is exciting -- because it's all about you! Amen. Happy Easter!

(04-09-98)

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