5 Ways to Easter In Place

Can you remember back to February, back before the world was fully thrust into a global pandemic? Back in those days, I wrote about the 40-day Christian tradition of Lent:

We’ll spend the next 40 days reflecting on the fact that we came from dust, and to dust we will return. Honestly considering our weakness, our brokenness, our need—while never losing sight of the healing, provision, and hope that we have in Christ—this is good news. As a Christian community we are clearing the ground, walking towards life. New life will burst forth on Resurrection Sunday but we aren’t there yet—we are waiting and preparing; the days are lengthening.

Of course, this quickly became more real and tangible than any of us expected or asked for. All humankind around the globe has been thrust into a season of looking disease and death right in the eyes, of remembering that we come from dust and to dust we will return, of considering our weakness, our brokenness, our need.

I can’t think of a time when I so greatly needed the relief of ending the season of Lent and entering into celebration, of crowding the church early in the morning and shouting, “Halleluiah! He is risen!”

But this global pandemic does not follow the church calendar, it seems. On Resurrection Sunday, we will be celebrating in place, sheltering at home while we join our church families online. Furthermore, the weight of this darkness, disease, and death will still be upon us—perhaps more painfully than ever.

The Christian story has never turned a blind eye to the troubles around us. In fact, in His parting words to His closest friends, Jesus promised them they would have trouble. Following Jesus has never made us exempt from the pains and problems of human life on earth; if anything, Jesus predicted that pledging our allegiance to God’s kingdom rather than earthly empires would bring us more trouble, not less. And yet, Jesus says: But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

We cannot know what Easter morning 2020 will bring us. But we know God is already there, ready to meet us in our all-too-real joys and sorrows, our hopes, and fears. We know Jesus is alive, that death has been overcome, that the earthly forces of greed and injustice are crumbling before the King of light and righteousness.

Now that we cannot celebrate Easter as usual this Sunday, how can we proclaim the Resurrection while we shelter in place? Here are five simple ways.

Process. Call another family and walk around your neighborhood on opposite sides of the street, singing and shouting the good news (at a reasonable time, please!) On one side of the street, your family can shout, “He is risen!” while the other family responds from the other side, “He is risen indeed!”

Lights. We light up our houses for Christmas, so why not Easter? Put candles or lanterns on the front porch or hang Christmas lights from the eaves. Jesus is alive; let’s light up the world!

Flowers. Spring flowers have always been a ready symbol of the new life God brings every year, and the redemption of creation He began in the resurrection. If you have flowers you can gather in your yard or countryside, fill your house with new life! Leave some bouquets at your neighbors’ stoop or sidewalk, too.

Songs. We’ll all miss singing the glorious good news loudly in church on Sunday, but there’s no reason not to sing it just as loudly from home! Gather your family, send word to your neighbors, then stand on your porch or open your windows at a designated time and rejoice!

Color. Have your kids fill the sidewalks with celebration chalk drawings, hang a paper banner in the trees, or display a colorful sign in your front window. Let passersby see the beautiful good news!

In time of darkness, He is risen.
In times of disease, He is risen.
In times of death, He is risen.

Halleluiah.