Good Friday

Last night our community group came together for a Passover Seder.  I’ve attended Seders in the past, but those experiences were strictly educational.   Last night was more intimate as ten of us gathered around the table to share a Passover meal.  It was significant to experience Passover using a Messianic Haggadah.  (Haggadah literally means “the telling”.  The Haggadah is basically a script telling the story of the Israelite’s redemption from slavery.  Christians believe that Christ was the Messiah.  We believe that we are redeemed from the slavery of sin through Christ’s death and resurrection which we celebrate during Easter.)

I thought that Megan and Paul might become disinterested but they followed along carefully and listened attentively through all the readings.  They have been learning about Passover at church and they understand enough to be curious.  (Last Friday Paul was excited that his teacher brought Matzoh for the class to sample.)  It is safe to say that their favorite part was receiving a reward for locating the afikomen (the hidden matzoh).

In addition to the Sedar plate, our host Amy prepared a delicious meal of lamb, salad, charoset, roasted potatoes, and green beans.  I brought flourless chocolate cake and matzoh toffee for desert.  It was an all-around enjoyable evening.  This morning I’m still recovering from the chocolate overload.

Easter has been significantly different for me this year.  When Adam was a church staff member, Easter was overwhelming.  Adam was always busy with churchy stuff and for many years he left town for a week immediately following the Easter church service (the annual spring break trip with the youth group).  Last Easter was special because Megan was baptized during the Easter service.  The church that we attend now is Presbyterian and Lent plays a significant role in the church calendar.  (Lent was never really talked about at our Baptist church).  With all the “build-up”, I’m looking forward to celebrating on Easter Sunday.  (Unfortunately, we will be missing tonight’s Good Friday church service to pick up a guest from the airport…more on that later).