Passover

Exodus 12 tells the story of the Passover.  Although technically the Jewish Passover ceremony was last Tuesday, my family celebrated it today, the day before Easter, so that I could be there.  I love the symbolism in the Passover ceremony.  And no, my family is not Jewish, but it is still important to remember.  We ate the bitter herbs, which brought tears to our eyes, to remember the bitterness of the Israelites' slavery in Egypt.  We ate the charoseth, to remind us of the mortar that the Israelites used to make bricks with.  We ate parsley, to remind us of the hyssop branches that we dipped in blood, which saved the firstborn Israelite boys from the wrath of God.  We ate the striped, pierced, unleavened matzah bread, to remind us of our Lord Jesus Christ, who was pierced and beaten for us.

Many people ridicule traditions and ceremonies, saying that they are antiquated and silly.  But I believe that they hold power.  There is power in remembering what God has done for us.  We must not forget.  As I was sitting there, listening to the verses and words being read, that recounted Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for me, I could not help but be overcome with gratefulness.  He has given me so much.  A loving family.  Wonderful friends.  Intelligence and ambition.  He has given me, in a word, life, and life more abundantly.  Tomorrow I will celebrate Christ's resurrection.  And I pray with all my heart that I will be able to focus on Him on this special day, and realize just how much He loves me.  It's pretty overwhelming :).