By Brenda Cannon Henley
As a very young child, I remember being excited to see what my Mama Cole or Aunt Anna would buy me for Easter. I always counted on a frilly new dress, complete with matching ruffled panties, matching lace socks, black patent Mary Jane shoes, and a tiny purse, along with white lace gloves, as long as they could find them. We had a big day of riding the trolley down to the City of Atlanta and shopping in one of the giant stores, either Rich’s, Three Sisters, or Belk’s, back in the day.

And, of course, on Easter Sunday morning, I would rush into the dining room or the den to see what the famed Easter bunny had left for me there. I usually found a delightful stuffed rabbit, lamb, or some other animal, along with an Easter basket filled with goodies. I thought everyone I knew did Easter the way my family did. As I became a little older, I discovered that they did not and it made me sad.

After I married and had children of my own, I vowed they would have good holidays and blessed memories. I, perhaps, went overboard with Easter, Christmas, birthdays, vacations, and decorated rooms for each of them because from the time I left Mama Cole’s wonderful, warm home, I did not have that attention and showering of gifts. I admit it was strange to understand at first and the years between eight and the time I left for college, my life was more difficult. Once I had my own home, I wanted only the best for my own children. I declared that they would be loved and have special days and events to remember.

So, my girls had ruffled dresses, lace socks, shiny new shoes, and my son had a new suit and little tie, whether they liked it or not. We were in church every Sunday, and Easter was a big day to look forward to, complete with an egg or candy hunt, and special meal around the big dining table. I thought that was what we were supposed to do as “good” parents.

Only after I grew a bit older and spent time in studying the Scriptures, praying about what I would teach in my Sunday school class or children’s church, or to a class of ladies, did I begin to get the depth of the meaning of Easter. I realize that we have readers of all faiths and that some believe one thing while others believe another. I can only write what I believe and ask that you bear with me. I believe Easter is the cornerstone to our faith. If Christ did not rise from the dead as He said He would, then all of our other teaching is in vain.

As I heard godly teachers explain the Scripture, and I learned to study for myself, read after other writers, and pray, I asked God over and over to help me understand the truths of His Word so that I could convey those truths to those that sat in my various classes. One of the greatest truths I ever learned was that the very greatest message ever given to anyone was given to Mary Magdalene on that Easter Sunday morning. Now, I am old enough to know and have heard enough messages to realize that not everyone believes Easter fell on a Sunday morning, but for illustration’s sake, I use that phrase. When they discovered the horrid tomb was open, the stone rolled away, and Jesus was alive, they could hardly contain themselves. The message was clear, “Ye seek Jesus. He is not here. Behold and see the place where they laid Him. Go on your way and tell His disciples that He is indeed alive as He said He would be.” This story is covered in all four Gospels, and I find great joy in reading John 20:18 where Mary Magdalene came and told the other disciples that she had seen the Lord and that He had spoken to her.

I contend that this is indeed the greatest message ever given to anyone. He is risen. He is alive as He said He would be. That, today, should be our message as well. We serve a risen Savior. He is in the world today. He lives. He lives. He lives that we may live also. I no longer need a new spring outfit on Easter. I no longer need fresh flowers on my dining room table. I no longer even need to know that my precious grandchildren have Easter baskets, dyed eggs, or new clothes, but I do need to know that each of them has trusted Christ and know in their own hearts that He lives, and that by believing in Him, they can live for eternity, as well. Happy Easter.

Brenda Cannon Henley can be reached at (409) 781-8788, or
[email protected].

[3-26-2018]