DIY Easter Sunrise Service

DIY Easter Sunrise Service   April 12, 2020 6:30 a.m.

THE BIG IDEA

            I love Easter Sunrise Services... and especially at Lake Van, and even when it was freezing outside and no one wanted to sit on a metal bench. People can attend in their pajamas or sweats and no one holds that against them.  Oh... the hot chocolate and donuts are a part of my Easter day ritual too... 

            This year it may look different.  Lake Van was never Jerusalem anyway - so we are going to say that 'different' is OK.  Don't hesitate to celebrate an Easter Sunrise Service with your family.  The sun will rise about 6:30 (it will start dawning a little earlier than that).  Choose your vantage point - from a window in your house, in a field, through a car windshield, or on lawn chairs along the road.  Hot chocolate, coffee, Chai or donuts are optional. Then read the Easter story and imagine, reflect, remember, give thanks, and worship. If you wish - use the following for your reflection or read the Easter account from any of the Gospels: Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, or John 20.

SUNRISE REFELECTION

READ: Matthew 28:1–10

            Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

REFLECT

            How often have we recently considered all of the changes we have been experiencing to what would normally have been forgettable routine daily activities? How often have we grumbled about the crazy behavior of the world around us - with grocery habits in the balance? How many have spent more time at home and more time together as a family? How our days have changed. A friend said that she has not spent her extra time at home deep cleaning like others, but baking and cooking instead (she is brilliant). But, in general, we are very discontent with all the changes and upheaval.

            Talking about "discontent," it is a perfect time to consider the atmosphere of turmoil, confusion, and outright fear of those living through that final week leading up to what we call Easter.  Being "discontent' is such a piddly little whine in lieu of the upheaval of the disciples, friends and followers of Jesus. Their thoughts were not concerned with changes to their routines. 

            Here is your point for reflection with regard to our current lack of contentment.  I suggest that we most often learn to be content in one of two ways: 1) be thankful, and 2) be deprived.  The first way lends perspective and the second teaches us to do without the hard way.  I think all my lessons are taught the hard way... but what if I chose to practice gratitude instead?! 

REFLECT or SHARE your thoughts regarding each of these ways to learn/know contentment.

            Try it now.  Practice gratitude and lend perspective to all that you may have complained about recently. We, as children of God, have the very most to be thankful for on this Resurrection day. Name in your heart and/or share with each other what you are grateful for.  Find the reasons to be thankful.

            Spend some time now in quiet appreciation and love for God. Consider this Easter morning what God has done for us.  Allow the Sunrise to be a gift and sign of promise and hope - God speaking love to you.

SILENCE

PRAY

            Dear Lord, each dawn proclaims resurrection. Every sunrise tells of a new beginning and all creation sings for joy. From the start of time, Father and Creator, you painted each day with light, fashioned beauty from mountain heights to valley lows, and caused praise to whistle through trees and splash on shores.

            When we take to hurrying through beauty, bruising each other and taking blessings for granted along the way, you would slow our hearts or possibly throw the world into turmoil so that we might consider what is most important.  Holy Spirit work in our hearts that contentment would be a part of our witness to the world around us.

            Holy and loving are you, Lord, for each dawn is a resurrection gift, an opportunity to deepen relationships, forgive ourselves and those near to us, make peace and share love. Every sunrise rolls back the stones of doubt and lets hallelujahs loose. Wondrous and great are you, Lord.

            We pray and give thanks in Jesus' name.  Amen.

SOME HYMN LYRICS: for those that sing, love, know, or just Google the songs...

Because He Lives

God sent His Son —they called Him Jesus;

He came to love, heal and forgive.

He lived and died to buy my pardon;

An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Chorus

Because He lives I can face tomorrow;

Because He lives, all fear is gone.

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living just because He lives.

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,

And feel the pride and joy he gives;

But greater still the calm assurance:

This child can face uncertain days because He lives. 

Chorus

And then one day I’ll cross the river;

I’ll fight life’s final war with pain.

And then, as death gives way to vict’ry,

I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He reigns.

Chorus

Words by Gloria Gaither and William J. Gaither Music by William J. Gaither

© 1971 by William J. Gaither CCLI # 1966800

Christ Arose

Low in the grave He lay-

Jesus, my Savior!

Waiting the coming day-

Jesus, my Lord!

Chorus

Up from the grave He arose,

With a mighty triumph o'er His foes.

He arose a victor from the dark domain,

And He lives forever with His saints to reign.

He arose! He arose!

Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Vainly they watch His bed-

Jesus, my Savior!

Vainly they seal the dead-

Jesus, my Lord!

Chorus

Death cannot keep his prey-

Jesus, my Savior!

He tore the bars away-

Jesus, my Lord!

Chorus

Words and Music by Robert Lowry     CCLI # 1966800

Christ the Lord is Risen Today

Christ the Lord is risen today. Alleluia!

Sons of men and angels say: Alleluia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high. Alleluia!

Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply: Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King. Alleluia!

Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!

Dying once, He all doth save. Alleluia!

Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Love's redeeming work is done. Alleluia!

Fought the fight, the battle won. Alleluia!

Death in vain forbids Him rise. Alleluia!

Christ has opened paradise. Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ has led. Alleluia!

Following our exalted Head. Alleluia!

Made like Him, like Him we rise. Alleluia!

Ours the cross, the grave, the skies. Alleluia!

Words by Charles Wesley

Music by Lyra Davidica, 1708; last stanza setting and choral ending by Don Hart

© 1997 by Integrity’s Hosanna Music and Word Music

CCLI # 1966800