Good Friday

Last year - I posted about my family's tradition of fish sticks for breakfast on Good Friday.

Today, the heaviness of Good Friday is once again made real to me.

Last night Ronnie and I went to a Maundy Thursday service at our church. Growing up Baptist, we didn't really have all the services of the "church year" that come more out of a Catholic tradition (or Lutheran/Episcopalian etc.) So, this was my first Maundy Thursday service ever. I have been to some Good Friday services before....

Last night's service was different than anything I have ever been to. The first portion was discussion around the 7 sayings of Christ while He was on the cross. The explanations, and picture that was painted so clearly that He was giving His own life, it was not taken from Him, simply reminded me that He was so fully God - He was never out of control... even to the point of saying He was thirsty so the Scripture would be fulfilled from Psalms!

Following that, the Lord's Supper was served. There were four tables set up at the front of the church with 12 chairs around each one. One of the pastors sat at each table, and served the Lord's Supper to us. As we waited our turn, we were left with pictures, scriptures, and soft music to focus on while we examined our own hearts. How powerful!

When our table was finished - the pastor leading told us that we would not be celebrating tonight, but just wait until Sunday!! We simply walked quietly out of the building so as not to disturb the others that were waiting their turn.

Ronnie and I had to go to WalMart immediately afterwards due to us being out of milk and stuff :) - it was such a shock to my system to go from this serious contemplative, weighty reminder of the costly price Christ paid for me to have eternal life... and then to walk in to the store with bunnies, chocolate, "In your Easter Bonnet" being played.. etc. I sometimes get frustrated at Christmas time with the trivialization of the birth of my Savior.... but honestly, last night just got to me even more. Don't get me wrong, without Christmas, there would be no Easter.... but without Easter, there would be no eternal life!