Easter Parade, or Parading through Easter?

Have you ever heard Bing Crosby sing "Easter Parade" to Marjorie Reynolds in the movie Holiday Inn? Being somewhat of an old soul (and a huge fan of the age of Golden Hollywood), I noticed the number of well-dressed adults filing out of the church while Bing and Ms. Reynolds got into their horse-drawn carriage. If the media could portray a Christian holiday in a romantic comedy in 1942, then why is it that we only see Easter eggs, fluffy bunnies, and marshmallow chicks now?

Photo by Jeroen von Oostrom
I've heard many a parent say that they would spend Easter throwing an egg hunt because "it's more for the kids" or people planning to attend church service "so I can show off my new Easter dress/suit". They lose focus of the significance of Easter Sunday, a holiday that, arguably more than Christmas, marks the single most definitive aspect of our faith: Christ dying on the cross for our sins and rising again on the third day.

Let's remember who God had in mind when He sent His only Son to die.

         The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone,
         but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness - for us
         who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He
         was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for
         our justification.
                                                                                     Romans 4:23-25 (NIV)

Count how many times "us" and "our" appear in these verses. I think we know who is the intended audience.

Photo by bela_kiefer
             And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you,
             he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies
             through his Spirit, who lives in you.
                                                                                           Romans 8:11 (NIV)

What a beautiful gift we have received through this sacrifice! Life eternal. How can we forget, or not fully appreciate the spirit of God that is in our hearts?
  
Photo by watcharakun
This weekend, take some time away from filling baskets, indulging in chocolate, and yes, even writing, to reflect on what Jesus Christ has done for you. What He's done for all of us. Have a wonderful weekend, and a beautiful, blessed Easter Sunday!