Easter Decor Has Meaning

With the passing of winter and the hope of spring, we enjoy seeing signs of new life inside and outside our homes. Crocuses pop out of the ground, daffodils shoot up and wave their pretty faces at us as we pass by. The grass turns green and leaves begin to sprout on the limbs of trees. Inside, we put away all the snowmen and bring out the Easter decorations. I love to decorate my mantle with the meanings of Easter.

This week is called Holy Week as we look to the things that happened to our Lord Jesus more than 2000 years ago. It is the culmination of why he came from heaven in the form of a baby and was born in a manger in Bethlehem. Events of the week included the Last Supper, the washing of the disciples feet, the betrayal, the trial, the walk down the via Delorosa and up to Calvary's Hill where Jesus was crucified between two thieves. He willingly laid down His life for our transgressions.

Here are the things on my mantle and their meaning:

Cross - Philippians 2:8 “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” I Peter 2:24, He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds we are healed.” It is by Jesus death on the cross that our sins are forgiven, we are made clean by his shed blood and we are promised healing by the wounds he suffered. What a Savior!

Light – John 8:12, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” 9:5, “I am the Light of the World”, 12:46, “I have come into the world as light so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” 

Lilies - “I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valley.” Song of Solomon 2:1 Lilies are white, signifying purity. The flower has a drooping head and retires behind the shade of its broad green leaves; an emblem of lowliness or humility which is Jesus Christ.

Lamb – John 1:29 John the Baptist announced Jesus saying, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” And in verse 36 John repeats his statement, “Behold, the Lamb of God.”

Exodus 12:21-27 The pascal lamb was offered by every family in Israel at every Passover. John declares that he is the great sin-offering of which all the lambs slain on Jewish altars were the types. “He takes away the sin of the world” - he is the great sin bearer, not for a single generation, but for all time, not for a single family or race but for the world.

Lion - Revelation 5:5, “And one of the elders said to me, Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” Jesus was born in the lineage of David, He was worthy because he was slain. He conquered sin, death and the grave. In Isaiah 11:6 we read; “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.” This is referring to the good days to come when the Jews return to Israel and the Messiah comes. It means that everyone will live peacefully together.

Angels - Matthew 28:1-7 “an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples; He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him. Now I have told you.” I find it interesting that angels have foretold the birth of Christ, were very present at the tomb and will also herald Christ's return. Matthew 24:31, “And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” I Thessalonians 4:16, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God.”

Dear Jesus, I am so thankful for the plan of salvation that provided an escape from the wages of sin and has given me a new life in Christ. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins and for being my Friend. I thank you for the spring time and all the signs of new life we can see outdoors. But I am also thankful for your continual mercies to me every morning as I seek you. I love you Lord.