Time of hope and much more

“Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books

alone, but in every leaf in springtime.”

-- MARTIN LUTHER

Last Sunday was Palm Sunday. For part of our church service,

countless numbers of cheerful children charged to the front of the

building armed with big smiles and lacy palm branches. They eagerly

waved the palms and sang with zeal while they led the rest of us in

several songs.

One song began with the words: “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy,

down in my heart.” One precious little person after another repeated

the words, repeated the phrases and repeated the hand motions. After

all, having joy in your heart is something worth repeating.

Their joy was contagious, and it was easy to clap and sing along

with them. Each and every little boy and girl was truly beautiful,

unique and one of a kind. Their clothes were every color of the

rainbow. Some were dressed in their Sunday best and looked like

they’d been awake for hours and could sing their hearts out all day

long. Others appeared to have recently awakened and were a little

confused about the words and the motions, but it didn’t matter at

all.

Some wore shorts, some jeans and the shoes ran the gamut from

sandals and tennis shoes, to boots, Buster Browns and Mary Janes.

They clearly seemed to love God, love life and love singing about it.

Another song started with the words, “Open the Eyes of My Heart,

Lord, I want to see You.” It seemed as if God had opened the eyes of

their tender hearts and they realized how special they are to God, to

their families and to their friends. Their dimples, freckles and

fresh faces seemed to glow as they continued to sing, perform hand

motions and occasionally wave to parents.

Some boys and girls prayed out loud for peace in the world, for

safety, encouragement and protection of our service men and women and

the innocent citizens caught in the middle of war. They seemed to

know that God hears and answers prayers and seemed committed to

prayer, even at such young ages.

It must have made God smile.

If you are reading this on Saturday, you are a day away from

Easter. While the first and following Good Fridays must have made God

weep, Easter Sundays must have always made God smile.

Easter is a time of tears, joy, smiles and prayers. I loved Easter

as a child, and I still do. Whenever anyone said, “He is risen!” I

knew to reply, “He is risen indeed!” I didn’t understand what it all

meant then, but I knew to say it. I understand more now, and I’ll be

sure to reply that way to anyone with that greeting. There are many

wonderful Easter songs, one of my favorites being “Christ the Lord is

Risen Today” by Charles Wesley. Young and old alike will probably

sing that together in many churches and in many languages around the

world.

Easter is also a time of hope, resurrection, reconciliation and

much, much more. May we celebrate the day in a way that brings joy to

God and to others, no matter where we are.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

[email protected] or through the mail at P.O. Box 6140-No. 505,

Newport Beach, CA 92658.