In 1776, John Adams declared, “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.” (from Wikipedia; quote written in a letter to Abigail Adams)

As we prepare for Resurrection morn, I reflect on the unparalleled liberty the Resurrection brings. Without the Resurrection, we have no freedom. We are slaves to our sin, bound to this world, and subject to the devil’s schemes. We are lost and without hope.

In the Resurrection, we are given a hope and a future. It is here that Christ has not only proven his power over sin in living a perfect, righteous life, but now conquers even death. He proves to be the worthy sacrifice for a righteous God; the last sacrifice, the perfect Lamb of God.

What is beyond amazing is that, because of God’s great mercy, Christ’s righteousness is given to us! We now, like Christ, can have power over sin and freedom from the sting of death. One of my favorite songs declares this message:

Marvelous Light-”Sin has lost its power, death has lost its sting, from the grave You’ve risen victoriously!”

The problem is, we don’t always recognize this truth in our lives. I know that I don’t. I many times feel slave to my secret sins of pride, jealousy, idolatry, and apathy. I do not run to Christ in my sin, or let the Scriptures remind me that I have the power of Christ in me!

Romans 6:6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.

Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

This Easter, and everyday, I want to not only remember, but live, in the power of the Resurrection, which brings freedom to me, a former captive.

1 Peter 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Some of you know Judy Nelson. If you don’t, she’s a gifted writer and a fellow sister. In preparation for Easter, read her touching words in Remembering the Story.

Are you wearing green today?

While I don’t know much about St. Patrick and couldn’t find much about him online either, I did read that today is believed to be the day of his death. He is also the patron saint of Ireland and it appears that he was active as a missionary in Ireland during the second half of the fifth century.

By the way, St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland is not celebrated in the same manner as we American’s celebrate. My Irish friend told me that once.

A giant champagne flavored Marmite statue in Greenwich Park, London.

On Valentine’s Day, sculptor and Marmite lover Jeremy Fattorini recreated Rodin’s “The Kiss” made with 420 jars of Marmite! Thanks to Neatorama for this info.

Wondering what Marmite [Wikipedia] is? Doesn’t sound good to me.