Easter week is here! As a result, people love to celebrate with joyful traditions, activities, reflections, and food. Since this week is the highest pinnacle of celebration for Jesus followers (perhaps second only to Christmas), we celebrate the amazing, simple reality – we have Jesus!

NOTE: there’s a meaningful, FREE, easy-to-use Easter week devotional focus/activity at the bottom of this content. Click for more information and to SIGN UP

Easter Celebrations

Easter is set in the birth of spring for much of the world. New green buds appear. Early spring blossoms peek through the ground (or snow in some geographies). The sun’s warmth radiates into your body and soul. Bird songs fill the air with joy. New life emerges.

Easter celebrations often involve traditions:

• Daffodil and lily displays.
• Coloring and decorating eggs.
• Bright, cheerful, (sometimes new) clothing to wear.
• Perhaps a bonnet or bow tie.
• Easter baskets of candy / goodies hidden for children to hunt.
• Sunrise service.
• Family gatherings.
• A special meal.
• Perhaps communion.
• Joyful songs like “He Is Risen!” (at full volume)

 

These traditions proclaim God’s redeeming love – a glorious reminder – we have Jesus! God’s love through Christ’s cross sealed His grace gift – to be forgiven and live forever. In addition to the incredible provision – we have Jesus – you are offered:

• Intimate fellowship with God, Himself.
• Invitation to live each day in partnership with God.

 

We Have Jesus

Do you remember when you first became aware you are capable of doing wrong things? Perhaps you were a child. Perhaps you can pinpoint a moment as a teen or young adult when your conscience said “no,” but you chose to say, “yes.” As years add up, there’s increasing awareness that no matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to be perfect.

Do you know what that means? It means we all needed a Savior! And we are so fortunate to acknowledge – we have Jesus!

Who Is Jesus

Scripture refers to Jesus from Genesis through Revelation. Jesus is the central figure of the entire Bible. Every Old and New Testament book points to Jesus in some way.

Before Jesus came to earth the first time (as a baby to be the God-man) He was called Logos, The Word. John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made . . .”

Ponder this! The Word has two presentations: the living Word (Jesus) and the written Word (Scripture). So, when you get into Scripture (written Word), you literally take Jesus (living Word) off the pages into your life. Incredible!

Jesus is “King of kings.” No other ruler in history is as excellent as Christ. Because Jesus has submissive, yet powerful character, “God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name . . .” (Phil. 2:9)

Further, Scripture states,

• God – “has put everything under His feet.” (1 Cor. 15:27)
• “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil. 2:10-11)

 

Jesus is many provisions for His people:

Here are some names/offices Jesus has. Each of these is a focus in our FREE, Easter devotional focus this week – “Prepare For Easter” (below).

• Sacrifice
• High Priest
• Lover of Your Soul
• Intervener
• Intercessor
• Interconnector
• Resurrection

 

We Have Jesus – As A Friend

There’s an old hymn by Joseph M. Scriven – “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” – a favorite of many Jesus followers. Let’s look at some of the words:

Verse 1

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Verse 2

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Verse 3

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Who Needs Jesus

People need a Savior. Around the world. Down your street. In your career place. Right in your own home. In fact, the person in your mirror needs Jesus. “We all, like sheep, have gone astray. Each of us has turned to his own way . . . “ (Is. 53:6)

Because Jesus stepped in to take the punishment for sin (death), everyone can receive this incredible gift – and live forever. Since He always, only, enjoyed beautiful fellowship with God, it must have been excruciating for Jesus to bear the justified anger of God as our stand-in. But through this extreme sacrifice, we have Jesus NOW!

Let’s take the words of the above hymn. Consequently, because of the fallen human condition . . .

• sins and griefs to bear
• peace we often forfeit
• needless pain we bear
• trials and temptations
• all our sorrows
• weak and heavy laden
• a load of care
• friends despise, forsake you . . . 

 

. . . the Bible says – God loves you and values your life. God also cares about His creation. That’s why He declared His intentions toward you and all the earth: “Behold, I am making everything new!” (Rev. 21:5) This is fabulous news!

Because We Have Jesus

Because Jesus’ faithful life, death, and resurrection secures everything important in life –

• The sin debt is paid for.
• Death is conquered.
• Hope is reborn.
• Joy peeks through sorrow.
• Since Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, you can depend on Him for everything in your life. (Heb. 13:8)
• Plus, He exercises great mercy and patience. (2 Pet. 3:9)

 

So, this is why we celebrate Easter with passion every year! Additionally, this is why we live with hope even while the world runs on a separate, destructive path. Because many are on this path, we must share this passion and hope with them.

Incidentally, here is one way you can share Easter passion and hope with others. Tell them about this wonderful opportunity Easter week. Prepare For Easter! (more information directly below)

Click for more information and to SIGN UP

 

Easter Week Devotional Focus/Activity!

 

 

COUNTDOWN: 7 days to Easter! 

GOOD NEWS: 7 focus days to prepare your heart. 

“Prepare For Easter” is – –

Meaningful!   Brief!   Fun!   Refreshing!   Read or Listen!    FREE!

Starts Monday through Easter Sunday.

Because this content is concise, quality material – busy people with full schedules can easily participate.

You Can Also Listen To This Content

Since this material is designed to help manage your busy schedule, you can just click on the player above each day’s content. (This player is not active. It’s only a picture to show what is at the top of each day’s content.)

We’re also published on popular podcast apps, so connect with your preferred app. If you’re already signed up with the Alive and Active Life Podcast, you’ll receive each day’s content in your feed. If you need help, here are podcast sign up instructions.

Quick overview:

“Prepare For Easter” features:

1. Brief Daily Focus – Using a short reflective thought to focus your heart for Easter, each day explores a special role Jesus has in your life. It’s very encouraging!
2. Fun Activity – Additionally, engage a fun activity each day – by yourself, as a family, with a friend, or with a group.
3. Teaching Point – By combining the Daily Focus and Fun Activity, each day’s content becomes deeply meaningful.

 

The reason this Easter resource is so meaningful is . . . 

Because each session explores how Jesus provides for you!

Here’s a list of topics we will cover, one each day:

• Sacrifice
• High Priest
• Lover of Your Soul
• Intervener
• Intercessor
• Interconnector

 

As you explore these special roles, you can know without a doubt that God’s love for you is sincere!

You’ll also receive a BONUS POST – 

“When You Run Out of Ideas of Where to Hide An Easter Basket.” 

Since Easter brings hope, joy, and cheer . . . take the opportunity to prepare your heart!

SIGN UP

 

IMPORTANT and TIMELY Heads-Up! . . .

Since Day #3 Fun Activity uses Resurrection Eggs to tell the Easter story with a little reminder token in each egg, to get your set before Wednesday’s Fun Activity:

• Order NOW (amazon – or another online vendor) OR
• Visit/call your local Christian Bookstores to inquire about a set OR
• Make your own.

 

To make your own:

Incidentally, it’s really fun to make your own set! But it’s also simple. By filling empty plastic eggs with little items, each part of the Easter story can be told. Since the online set (above link) shows detailed pictures of items needed, use that example. And not only kids love this set, but every age!

However, if you decide not to make or order this tool, our content gives additional options for an activity.

Alive and Active Life wants your Easter week to be special by connecting with Jesus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

So – SIGN UP to participate!

You’ll be glad you did!

 

Visit our website for devotional materials, articles, podcasts, and resources to help grow your faith in God. Pursue noble character and an Alive and Active Life.