Good Friday

What came to mind when you read the title to this post? Did you think of just another holiday on the calendar, did you think "oh, hey, there's only 3 more days until Easter!", or did your mind instantly go to chocolate bunnies, dyed eggs, and dresses? Let me ask you one more question: did Jesus come to mind at all? 

Bear with me here, alright? I'm not bashing anyone or being judgmental or anything. I'm just simply voicing a question that has been on my mind a lot these days. When has Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday become Easter, the holiday for more candy and rabbits? When did it become all about gifts instead of the gift that Jesus gave us that day on Golgotha when He hung on that cross? This is a time to remember the unfathomable love of our Lord and Savior, a time to remember how much He went through all because He wants us to live forever with Him. 

Think about it... Jesus didn't have to come to earth and become a man. He could've stayed in heaven with God and let us continue on in our sin- but He didn't. He loves us so much that He became a man, died a criminal's death when He did nothing wrong, and bore so much pain and affliction. 

The wonderful thing about this story is that it doesn't end there; three days later, He rose again from the grave and proved that not even death could hold the Son of God. He conquered death, rose from the grave, and now sits at the right hand of the Father. He wants us to remember that this holiday isn't about spring finally being here, loads of candy that will keep you crazy for weeks afterwards, or the eggs that are hidden in your backyard. He wants us to remember His unconditional love. 

Some of you might cringe at the thought of what Jesus went through, and might not even want to imagine all of it. But you know what? It really happened. Jesus endured much more than what even the movies show. Yet He did that all for you: 

"He was despised and rejected by men, a man of many sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces He was despised and we esteemed Him not. Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him striken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed." ~Isaiah 53:3-5

I don't know about you, but every time I read this, the weight of everything Jesus endured hits me hard. Deep, that's for sure!

Well, anyway, I hope that you and your family have an amazing Resurrection Sunday, and that you never forget how deep the Father's love for you is (check out that song... simply amazing!)! 

He is risen indeed!
Elyssa =) 



What mercy was revealed 
What selflessness and peace 
My fate was surely sealed 
Until He rescued me 
His pardon for my sin 
His bounty for my need 
From slavery and shame 
I am redeemed 

And Heaven can't contain 
The glory of the Son 
Jesus is the Christ, the saving One 
His love has made a way 
The grave is overcome 
Jesus is the Christ, the saving One 

No fear can hold me down 
Nor darkness steal my joy 
For blood has been poured out 
The enemy destroyed 
Death could not hold Him down 
The cross was not enough 
To steal away His throne 
For He is God 

And Heaven can't contain 
The glory of the Son 
Jesus is the Christ, the saving One 
His love has made a way 
The grave is overcome 
Jesus is the Christ, the saving One 

Anyone who calls upon His name 
They will be saved 
They will be saved 
Anyone who calls upon His name 
They will be saved 
They will be saved 

And Heaven can't contain 
The glory of the Son 
Jesus is the Christ, the saving One 
His love has made a way 
The grave is overcome 
Jesus is the Christ, the saving One [x2]

Anyone who calls upon His name 
They will be saved 
They will be saved 
Anyone who calls upon His name 
They will be saved 
They will be saved