I was asked to write a rhyme about Easter-time that would say a word or two
As to just what the Easter Season means to folks like me and you.
I’ve given it a lot of thought, wondering just what I should say,
Because Easter seems to mean so many things to Christians of today.
To some it means mostly a new outfit to wear,
To others it means spending more time in God’s house of prayer,
To some it’s coloring Easter eggs, filling baskets to make a child’s eyes shine,
For Easter to small children is Easter Bunny Time.
Some folks in the Season deny themselves a pleasure that they like,
As a tribute to the memory of our Saviour’s sacrifice.
Still others buy flowers, cards and gifts for those they hold dear
And for some it means going to church this one day of the year.
I’m sure there’s merit in all these things, for they all help in some way
To bring those around us a happier Easter Day.
It is not for us to judge how others play their parts
But to analyze the spirit we find in our own hearts.
If we would ask our Lord to help us, I’m sure that He would say
“Think of the reason for the Season and follow in My way”.
If we would follow in His way, the place that we must start
Is to get the spirit of forgiveness right in our own heart.
Then I thought about our Saviour and all the trials He went through,
And remember He said, “Forgive them Lord, they know not what they do”.
I wondered what I would have done had I been in His place,
To suffer agony, torture, shame and disgrace.
Knowing the things they accused me of were anything but true,
Could I have said “Forgive them Lord, they know not what they do”?
Oh, I’m sure I would have fought back and tried to make them pay,
Instead of asking for forgiveness for those who hurt me in this way.
And there we have the answer, the truest meaning of Easter-time
Is to do a real housecleaning of the heart, the soul and mind.
We must wash away the hurts we’ve nursed the whole year through,
With a Christ-like spirit of forgiveness and then we’ll be forgiven too.
If we really are sincere in wanting to act a Christian’s part,
By Easter-time each year, there should be no hatred in our heart.
The spirit of forgiveness will roll our stone of guilt away
And we shall all join Christ in a triumphant victory every Easter Day.
