Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. The holiday is celebrated by Christians throughout the world. Even many non-Christians observe a sentimental, commercialized version that promotes good cheer, giving gifts, and spending time with family and friends. The dozens of pounds of food we eat and the hundreds or thousands of dollars we spend might suggest Christmas is the apex of the calendar.
Christmas is certainly a wonderful time. Some might sing that it is the most wonderful time of the year. However, for the Christian, Easter is the great drama of God’s steadfast love. It is the beautiful melody of God’s faithfulness. Easter is the culmination of God’s redemptive purposes for his creation where his people shout “Alleluia, Christ has risen! He has risen indeed.”
You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. - Mark 16:6
Historically, the Christian Church has marked off the forty days leading up to Easter as Lent, which involves the spiritual practices of self-denial and self-examination through the Scriptures and prayer. We pursue renewal through Jesus Christ and receive his never-ending, never-failing grace.
Holy Week
Let us now focus our attention upon the Gospel writers’ account of Jesus’ passion – his suffering, humiliation, and death on a cross that takes away the sins of the world.
Let us turn our eyes upon Jesus, seeing him and hearing his voice. And let us rest in Jesus Christ’s finished work upon the cross and within that tomb. Praise be to Christ that the tomb is empty!
This year we wish to highlight a few resources during this week.
- In 2017 The Gospel Coalition posted a brief summary of each day starting with Palm Sunday and ending with Resurrection Sunday.
- In 2014 Crossway put together a short video series called “The Final Days of Jesus.” The video below features “Palm Sunday.” We will repost a video in the series each day this week.
Source: The Final Days of Jesus: Palm Sunday from Crossway on Vimeo.