Easter Monday - What's so Good About it?

Romans 6:5-14

Happy Day After Easter!  If you're anything like me, you're feeling a little let down today. You may have had the family over yesterday for a big meal.....and/or you organized an Easter egg hunt for the kids....of course you went to church, but you always go to church....but you're tired.  You worked hard to prepare for Easter - actually, not much of that hard work was spiritually related.  In fact, the reason you're a bit down is because all the planning is done, the party is over, and life moves on.

But He is Risen!  We followed the women to the tomb, and it was empty!  He is not here!  We sang Easter hymns.  We rejoiced that our Lord has conquered death.

So how do we keep going post-Easter?  First, we pray that the Easter message of life eternal, life because of his sacrifice on the cross, sinks into our marrow - into our very bones.  We ask forgiveness for the imbalance between 'secular' Easter preparation and 'sacred' Easter preparation.  We turn to scripture and we are reminded that God has a perfect plan for our lives:

"For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace." (Romans 6:14)

Savor the family time that you enjoyed over Easter.  Give thanks for the extra dishes you washed because you got time with loved ones.  And, most of all, rejoice that He is Risen.  Not just on Easter Sunday, but on all the days He has ordained for your earthly life.

"This is the day the Lord has made  We will rejoice and be glad in it."  (Psalm 118:24)

Lord, on this Easter Monday, I give thanks for the gift of everlasting life.  Your death on the cross paid the price for my sins, and I can't work hard enough or be good enough - ever - to deserve what you have given to me.  Thank you for Easter.  I pray that my life will reflect your glory.  Amen.