Easter under lockdown!

Who would’ve thought that Easter 2020 weekend we would spend in lockdown?

Our president here in South Africa announced last night that our lockdown is extended until the end of April, which we are pleased with because right now, lives matter more. Our health minister announced this morning we have 2003 infected cases and 24 deaths. Our heartfelt condolences to every family across the globe who has lost a loved one.

What is Good Friday you may ask?

For us as Christians, Good Friday is a crucial day of the year because it celebrates what we believe to be the most momentous weekend in the history of the world. Ever since Jesus died and was raised, Christians have proclaimed the cross and resurrection of Jesus to be the decisive turning point for all creation. Paul considered it to be “of first importance” that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and was raised to life on the third day, all in accordance with what God had promised all along in the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3).

On Good Friday we remember the day Jesus willingly suffered and died by crucifixion as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins (1 John 1:10). It is followed by Easter, the glorious celebration of the day Jesus was raised from the dead, heralding his victory over sin and death and pointing ahead to a future resurrection for all who are united to him by faith (Romans 6:5).
This day and weekend speaks about hope, the ultimate love and rebirth. We as a family celebrate by acknowledging what Christ did for us in prayer, praise and worship together. We would normally attend church both Friday and Sunday but this year we simply adjust things.

We’ve come to realize that church is not a building it is a relationship one has with Christ. Today we had our family traditions, some yummy warm hot cross buns some with raisins and others not, I was on cooking duty today so decided on some fried fish dipped in egg and flour, a yummy corn and noodle salad, delicious. I also baked vanilla muffins for the squad (they don’t like bran muffins) and bran muffins for Rob (he doesn’t like vanilla muffins). We ended off the evening by watching Passion of Christ with popcorn and treats. This is the second year we are watching it together as a family it has now become a tradition.

Every time we watch Passion of Christ we pick up something new and learn something new. After watching tonight I said to the kids that during Jesus’s walk to be crucified he fell, he was in pain, but he got up every time because he knew he was meant to do that, it was his purpose, his destiny and no matter how hard it was he would get up no matter how unbearable the pain got, no matter the humiliation he endured he still got up.
That is a lesson for us, we sometimes give up to easy because of the humiliation or pain or even because of what people say. Endure the pain, endure the humiliation because you know your purpose, your destiny, you see the end result. Just Keep going.

Every situation we face has a Friday, a crucifixion period but remember Sunday must come. Nothing lasts forever.

Stay hopeful.

May God bless us during these trying times.