Saturday, April 11, 2009

Here comes the Son



Well, in my last post, you found me a bit down I'm afraid. My Mother-in-Law did NOT like "seeing" me that way. I got a few hugs out of the deal and that is always good. A few readers knew that I needed hugs and they were happy to help me out. That evening we had a wonderful Tenebrae service, with our cantata taking us through the meal, the garden, the betrayal, the seizing of Jesus, the torture and agony, and with each candle being extinguished, a light in the church was shut off, making the mood even more dark. "It is finished...the Messiah dies"... and with the extinguishing of the Christ candle, the choir left in the dark in silence. The word tenebrae comes from the Latin word for "darkness" or "shadows". The candles , as they are extinguished one by one, symbolize the fading loyalty of the disciples and friends of Jesus. It was emotional for me, yes, but a friend told me it was the most meaningful cantata we have ever done. We always do the beauty, the lilies, the joy, the angels, the resurrection...but this year we were to dwell on the days before Easter. It is good to dwell on that part of Easter...to remember the sacrifice. Sometimes I go through pains and sorrow and I miss my parents so much. A friend in the choir lost her mother in law just last week. She had many family members with her for the cantata. Her mom and dad and her grandma....I said "My mom and Dad are both gone , and my grandparents are gone...I am an orphan!" That beautiful friend, Stacy, said, "We're your family"! Isn't that the sweetest? It is so true! I have so many friends and "family" members at my church. Tomorrow, I will sing with Beth, "We Have Seen the Risen Lord".
I will be joyful!
I will be glad that we get to celebrate the Savior's resurrection.

Today, the sun was shining, which did wonders for my mood.
Now, I am looking forward to Sunday...and to the Son rising tomorrow.
No need for sorrow.
Yes, it was awful what He was put through.
Yes, it was awful what his mother must have endured to watch his suffering.
But...He did that for me. AMAZING!!!!

Amazing LOVE....This is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins" 1 John 4:10

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yes I am so excited to hear you sing it tomorrow Carol!! He is risen indeed!! Happy Easter!!

Love you sis,
Marilyn

Billy Coffey said...

Tenebrae. I really like that. And yes, the joy we feel should be felt in light of the sacrifice He made.

Happy Easter, Carol!

Jennifer @ JenniferDukesLee.com said...

My heart aches with yours this Easter ... and it rejoices with yours this Easter.

Isn't that the way of Holy Week? To experience the pain, and the utter joy, all at once?

Love to you ...