Numerous people have commented to me in the last couple of weeks that Easter has been a long time coming. I agree. If someone had told me that Ash Wednesday was actually last year I would be tempted to believe it! Some years Lent does seem to be hard work. It can seem to drag on and on despite the knowledge that Easter is getting nearer. Such is the nature of a season of self-examination and self-denial, but if Lent is a time for reflection, Easter is a time for joy. Easter is the season that puts a bounce in our step and lifts our spirits far above the mundane because Jesus is risen and is with us forever. Downcast discipleship is a thing of the past!

Joy is something which is associated with the life of the people of God by virtue of our being the people of God. It is more than an isolated outburst of happiness brought on by a religious feeling or belief and certainly not from relief that Lent is finally over. Joy is an essential part of our relationship with God: he is our God; we are his people, and that makes us what and who we are.

In the New Testament joy is seen as a gift of God, especially in the gift of himself in the Holy Spirit. In Romans 14:17 we read of ‘the peace and joy brought by the Holy Spirit’ and in 15:13, ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and hope in your faith, so that in the power of the Holy Spirit you may be rich in hope.’ Joy is something for now and it is right that we joyfully celebrate the resurrection of Jesus which makes it possible. Song, food and fellowship are very much part of this joyful Easter existence. Easter is fun!

The joy of Easter and the Christian life is also something which looks forward to the Kingdom of God. It anticipates the perfection of life with God after our own resurrection and is sometimes referred to in the Scripture as being like a marriage or a marriage feast. In Revelation 19:7 we read,

Alleluia! The reign of the Lord our God Almighty has begun; let us be glad and joyful and give glory to God, because this is the time for the marriage of the Lamb.

I cannot remember a marriage being celebrated without joy and on every occasion there has been a glass of something and food to follow. It is a defining moment for the couple and for their families and friends. By analogy Easter is no different – we are defined by it. We are an Easter people.

All this joy is too good to miss, so don’t. Raise a glass, put a spring in your step, be optimistic, smile and laugh. It’s true: Jesus is risen and life in all its fullness is ours!

Image by Andrea Don on Pixabay.

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