It began 8 years ago in a land far away on a sunny Resurrection Day. Our Swedish co-worker/ neighbors joined us for a hearty celebration lunch and in the course of the meal proceeded to tell us about a conversation they had with one of our Chinese neighbors and fellow teachers. On what should have been somber Good Friday he arrived at their apartment with a question. “I thought the Martins were Christians?”
“Yes, they are,” our friends, replied.
“Well how come I saw Mrs. Martin hanging out laundry on Good Friday?” he retorted.
Wow. What a blow. Our very identity in Christ was being questioned. After all, the Swedes celebrate a whole week before Easter and do nothing on Good Friday but rest and they are considered to be one of the most thoroughly secular nations on the planet. The Muslims in our corner of the world, empty as their religion is, were and are very religious about fasting the whole month of Ramadan and celebrating with a sacrificial lamb for each family during Korban festival.
But it seemed the Martins were not even a little reflective of the meaning of this consequential week and day- the crux of our Beliefs. I wonder if the possibility had risen in his mind that since we did not know how to celebrate the holiday perhaps we were only American spies posing as Christians. Wouldn’t a true believer recognize the significance of this week?
Honestly, at first I wanted to defend myself. After all the washing machine had done all the work and I was only hanging up clothing. But as I am a reflective person it didn’t take long for me to see the picture. My heart was broken that I had been habitually passing over the entire Passover week till Resurrection Sunday when we started our celebration by hiding eggs for kids to search and find. At least we had done some things to make that time significant with them finding the rock, nail, cloth and little things hidden in the eggs in order to explain the Resurrection story. Certainly in comparison we had done little to reflect on the body of Jesus, which was broken, and the blood of Christ which was spilled during that Passover week millennia ago.
Hmmmm. During the following year we considered how we could incorporate some meaningful traditions that would lend towards reflection and celebration of the season. Sad as it may seem, my own Christian culture had left me as empty as the tomb on that one. Even Christian operated schools and businesses just keep right on going without much thought. I may not be able to change my whole culture, but what I began wondering was how at least in my own home I could make it meaningful. As Easter season was coming near again I suddenly remembered that I had tucked away a magazine article about how to do a Passover Seder at home. As I read, it seemed easy enough to at least try.
That first year we only invited a few of our team members to join us. Oh, what a potent experience for our children and us! The following year we decided to invite some of our Muslim raised friends - a couple of new believers and one that had not trusted Christ yet. Afterwards they told us they had never experienced anything more meaningful.
It has become more substantial to us over the years to reflect on our roots in history. It is vital to remember where we have come from. Each year as we observe what the original Passover feast meant, it places an even greater importance on Christ’s fulfillment of this celebration.
Over the years as we have practiced, our new tradition has become a little more refined and defined. Last year we had our Passover Seder with friends here in Oregon. We gathered and reclined on the floor against colored throw pillows. Coffee tables were set Middle Eastern style and decked with wine glasses and white candles. Jonathan, as the head of the family household performed the ceremonial Seder. Afterwards we ate a meal of lamb and vegetables with the traditional cheroseth with matzah. Afterwards I passed out a paper to inform our friends how to establish the tradition in their home.
Did you know there are a total of 168 verses dedicated to Christ’s birth in the four gospels? But the book of John alone offers 268 verses covering the Passover week? The four gospels dedicate a total 712 verses to these life-altering events! Why do we spend months preparing for Christmas but tragically little is done to reflect on this Powerful week? I have come to the personal conclusion that the Passover, good Friday, and the Resurrection –- ought to be recognized as THE most important holiday a believer celebrates based on it being the cornerstone of our belief.
Has our focus on Christmas (I love Christmas too :) diverted our eyes from the absolute essence of who we are in Christ and left us with something powerless? We need to reflect on the power and promises of the cross.
Consider making this year your first of many to put back into focus Christ’s Passover week. I really believe you will find a greater joy and deeper appreciation than you might ever imagine.
Some celebrate Passover on the Thursday before Good Friday so as to reenact the actual event.
With tears wetting her cheeks, she asked with the eyes and ears of her heart open, “Well, what do I do with this, Lord?” In a moment of silence, as if listening for an answer He illumined her mind and she gained an inner power to do what she knew was right. “No, I am not going to place this demand on him. I am going to be patient, and put my hope and trust in the Lord and his timing.” She confidently got up washed her face headed to the kitchen and began cooking dinner. With the Lord at her side she could smile kindly.
