A Festival of Light

I grew up at a time in our country when the word ‘God’ was written without a capital letter.

Belief in God was seen as a sign of stupidity or irrationality.

But on a particular day every spring, homes were filled with unusual baking smells and decorated eggs; there was a festive sense in the air.

I enjoyed baking kulich (Russian Easter cake) and decorating eggs.

Often people went to the cemetery. In many cases, this was the only day in the year when deceased relatives were remembered.

If you had a table laden with Easter dishes and had been to the cemetery, then Easter had been celebrated well.

Then I came to the Lord. I discovered that decorating eggs is not important; an abundant table is not necessary; and one can visit the graves of loved ones any day.

For me, Easter became a festival of light. Even if the clouds blocked the sun at Easter, the light of Christ illuminated the day.

I don’t think I will ever understand the deep meaning of Christ’s coming to earth.

But I can feel his endless love. And it gives me joy to know that Easter is a miracle which is directly connected to me.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the miracles of the resurrection—and that we are a part of it. Amen