Mark 16: 5-6: “As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. ‘Don't be alarmed,’ he said. ‘You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here…’”

Today is Good Friday and the start of the holiest weekend of the year for Christians. As the Lenten season comes to a close, we are almost ready for Easter and the ultimate celebration of God’s mercy. He sacrificed His only son to save us from our sins, and this Sunday we will celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection making this a weekend filled with joy and hope for Christians around the world.  

The Easter season is a very special one. After 40 days of Lent – and perhaps giving up something we love as a sacrifice – we’re able to celebrate God’s love for us and Jesus’ sacrifice that has allowed us the gift of eternal life. It is one of the most important services of the year and one I look forward to each year with my family. Coupled with the grandkids’ excitement from a visit from the Easter Bunny followed by an egg hunt (and a few too many jelly beans!), Easter Sunday is always one of my favorite days.

The Third District always does a great job of celebrating the Easter season. Over the last few weeks there have been all sorts of egg hunts and Easter bunny meet and greets. Tomorrow in Jefferson City, Jaycees is holding their 35^th annual egg hunt at Memorial Park for children ages 0-9. For the Third District dog lover, there is a dog-friendly Easter egg hunt complete with treats also tomorrow in Jefferson City and all proceeds will benefit a local animal charity. And of course, churches all over Missouri will be marking this holy day with wonderful services and music.

After some late in the season snow, we are finally seeing glimpses of spring this week here in Missouri just in time for Easter. Our country has faced its fair share of issues over the last year with economic problems and some states still reeling from the effects of the pandemic, but Easter always brings a renewed sense of gratitude, hope, and new beginnings. It is appropriate that we observe Easter in the springtime, when nature reawakens after a cold Missouri winter, flowers begin to bloom, and the sunshine gives us hope of brighter days to come. I believe there are brighter days to come, and I will keep doing everything I can to make that possible.

Whether your family celebrates Easter or not, from my family to yours, I wish you a very happy and peaceful weekend.