Published:
Fri Mar 2 '12
Author:
Andy Tilsley
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Tags:
bible, C S Lewis, celebration, easter, eggs, festival, good friday, jokes, Narnia, Resurrection
I say, I say, I say… How did the egg climb the mountain? It scrambled up. How do comedians like their eggs? Funny side up. Where do you find information about eggs? In the hencyclopedia.
Okay, I’m sorry. There must be another Easter holiday coming up, because I’ve wandered into egg-pun territory, so please forgive my awful yolks. I shell do my best not to crack another.
That said though, if there’s ever a Christian festival that’s worth celebrating with joy, laughter and loads of fun, it’s this one. It’s where we remember that even death has been conquered, that sin itself is nailed to the cross, and that out of the most humiliating and excruciating suffering comes the most wonderful hope and expectation for the future. Eggstroadinary. You couldn’t fry it up.
I realise life is often complicated, and can be fraught with frustration, disappointment and pain, but Easter is the opportunity to remember that after night comes morning, after Winter comes Spring, after death comes resurrection – it’s just wonderful, wonderful news.
I love the way CS Lewis puts it in his book The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. To set the scene, the children have just been pursued by the wolves who are seeking their very lives. The witch’s power seems unstoppable. There is terror on every side; danger all around. But then the children hear the name of the Great Lion, the Christ figure, and it’s like a ray of sunshine through the clouds.
‘And now a very curious thing happened. None of the children knew who Aslan was any more than you do; but the moment the Beaver had spoken his name everyone felt quite different… At the name of Aslan each one of the children felt something jump inside. Edmund felt a sensation of mysterious horror. Peter felt suddenly brave and adventurous. Susan felt as if some delicious smell or some delightful strain of music had just floated by her. And Lucy got the feeling you have when you wake up in the morning and realise that it is the beginning of the holidays or the beginning of summer.’
The children don’t know all the details. They don’t even fully know who Aslan is, but they hear his name and somehow, instinctively, perceive that there is hope.
So it is with Easter.
We don’t have to understand all the ins and outs of the theological significance of the crucifixion and resurrection (though of course it’s good to explore more of the Bible!) But if nothing else, Easter should at least remind us that the greatest enemies of humankind have been overcome by Jesus.
So we rightly want to make a big deal of Easter this year. For anyone who wants to, we’ll be gathering on Good Friday to worship, share communion and hear about the cross. Then on Easter Sunday we’ll have a celebration of the resurrection – with just the one meeting at 11am, so you can spend the rest of this amazing day with friends and family. In our Sunday meetings in the build up to Easter, we’re looking at different aspects of the person of Jesus through John’s gospel, and in the week running up to Easter Sunday we’ll produce a daily Bible Study to help reflect on the Easter message. This will include a reading for each day, as well as questions and prayer points to help you focus on the significance of the death and resurrection of Jesus. The Bible studies will be emailed out first thing every morning, so why not set aside time each day to read, reflect and pray
The practical bits and opportunities to sign up to the Bible readings are all below, but don’t let this incredible festival pass you by without reflecting on what it’s all about, the implications for us today, and, perhaps most significantly, just how amazing Jesus Christ really is.
That’s what the egg-stuff is all about – for centuries eggs were seen as the ultimate sign of new life, which is why they’re worth talking about at this time of year… in some curious way, they’re a reminder of what Jesus has done, and what he offers for me and you.
With that said, I’m oeuf to find some more egg puns. Feel free to poach any of the ones I’ve used in this blog.
- To receive the Bible Studies before Easter, you need to be signed up to our email newsletter. If you’re not already subscribed, sign up today.
- Good Friday Service: Friday 6th April, 11-12.30pm. 79 Endell Street, WC2H 9DY
- Easter Sunday Service: Sunday 8th April, 11-12.30pm, The Mermaid Theatre.
