The winter is slowly passing and nature is reflecting the changes. Flowers are blossoming, birds are chirping, and there is a tangible shift in the atmosphere. It is the season of change bringing with it new life and fresh starts. For some, this can be unsettling. To help ease into this new season, it is important to find time to replenish and nurture your soul. Just like the beautiful tulips and lilacs needed time to flourish, so your soul needs time to rest in the grace of His presence. It’s important to make daily time with your creator to replenish and refuel your spirit.
The best part of spring is that not only do we celebrate the beginning of a new season, but we celebrate the greatest holiday for us as believers. We celebrate the very miracle that has set us apart – the one thing which gives us eternal life – Easter!
Easter is a fun time for everyone. There are cute little babies proudly strolled about in adorable bassinets, Easter egg hunts, egg-coloring parties, and soft-pastel colored dresses. These are just a few of my favorite things during this season.
Easter is the glorious reason that you and I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that we will live forever with our Savior and our loved ones. Isn’t that amazing?!
Friends, this is a wonderful opportunity to sit down and read the resurrection story to your children. Listen to them discuss the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice for their life. Help personalize this for your family. He has risen! He is alive!
Growing up in a Greek home, I learned at a very young age the significance of the Easter holiday. You see, not only was this the most important holiday for us as believers, but it also is the biggest holiday celebrated in the Greek culture.
On Easter Sunday, one of the things that I love the most is walking into church, and hearing one person say to the other “Christos Anesti” (Christ has risen) and the other person respond “Alethos Anesti” (He has risen indeed!) Now, just imagine the “hum” that is generated with the warmth of laughter, hugs, and cheek kisses as people walk around the entire church greeting each other with this truth!
The feelings of joy, warmth, and love are simply indescribable! I’d imagine that this is just a little piece of what heaven must be like.
Courtesy of Style Me Pretty
And who can talk about Greeks without mentioning food? Greek Easter and food are synonymous. The biggest feast of the year is Easter. What greater reason is there than to celebrate the resurrection of our risen Savior? Lamb, potatoes and carrots with garlic, dolmathes, greek salad, peas, tzatziki, spanakopita, tiro pita, hummus, olives, feta, and of course, baklava, kataifi, kourembiathes,… everything is made with love – (and my hips love them too!) *wink*
As you celebrate Easter with your family take this time to reflect on the significance of His sacrifice. Ponder the greatness of His love. You were purchased with a price – Christ paid His life for you. That makes you extremely valuable! Take some time to look around and recognize the new beginnings around you in the puppies, babies, or blossoms. In everything, give God thanks for the blessings that He has given you and for His abundant love.
Christ has Risen!
About the guest blogger:
Dr. Christy Demetriades has a Ph.D. and M.S. in Clinical Psychology and a B.S. in Exercise/Sports Science from Vanguard University. She loves Jesus, has a heart for people and has dedicated her life to serving Him.
For those that are interested in reading more from Dr. Christy, she recently came out with a book called The Ripple Effect. Essentially, this book is about the importance of looking at God’s word, to receive truth, before making life altering decisions. It is true that we reap what we sow.
