Holy! Week

Over the weekend, I got to go and visit with some friends in Johnson City. While I was there, I read *part* of a book that they had. I can't remember the name of the book.......something about Hope.....and I don't know who wrote it either. (Friend, if you read this -- tell us the name of the book.) Anyway - the book talked about how we Christians have made Christmas more important than Easter. From what I understood, the author thinks that we should value Easter more than Christmas. I'm not sure I agree with that. I feel that they go together. BUT - it did get me to thinking about how we do so much to get ready for Christmas and how we do so little to get ready for Easter.

Even though some of us do observe Lent, at times it seems to be more of a joke than a real observance of what Lent is really to be about. It becomes a way for us to get attention by 'giving something up'.We give up something and then we tell everyone we know all about how hard it is. Goodness knows that I'm guilty of doing this exact thing. And yet, that definitely isn't what Jesus would have our Lenten observances to be. No, Jesus would want our fasting to be as He taught us in Matthew 6.

16"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Hopefully, during Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday - we are reminded of our fatally flawed (thanks T and K for the term here!) selves and are aware of the depth of our sin! This past Sunday was Palm Sunday. I'm sure that in most every church, the children came in waving palm branches shouting (or like most kids I know either whispering or not saying anything at all) "Hosanna! Hosanna! " Yes, Palm Sunday is a celebration of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

This particular year at our church we celebrated Palm/ Passion Sunday in order to incorporate all that Holy Week holds. When this is done, Jesus us left hanging on the cross in our place. It isn't meant to be a happy, "feel good" Sunday. It is meant to make us aware of what Jesus did for us. TO leave us feeling aware of our sin. Aware of our Savior dying on a cross for our sin.

In light of all of this, I'm desperately trying to pay FULL attention to what Holy Week really is. Lots of people won't even bother to take the time to attend a Maundy Thursday service this year or a Good Friday Service. BUT lots of people wouldn't think of missing a Christmas Eve Service.

Anyway - I've just come to the conclusion that we really should put just as much importance on this week - HOLY week as we put on the weeks before Christmas. So, I thought I would share a couple of ways that you can make this week more meaningful for you and your family.

Last year, I shared this devotional.

Or you can try this one. I think I'm going to book mark this page this year.

I found this site with some great idea's of things to do with kids.

I plan on making Holy Week more important in the life of my family now and in the years to come. I think it is important to reflect on and share with my family all that was happening to Jesus during this week. In order that when Easter is here --- they know we are celebrating the resurrection of our Savior. And not a bunny!

I'd love to know what you are doing this Holy Week?

in HIM-