by Darcia Kunkel

But Often Necessary.

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“Therefore, the LORD waits to be gracious to you,
and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you.
For the LORD is a God of justice;
blessed are all those who wait for him.”
Isaiah 30:18, English Standard Version

There is a saying in the military, “Hurry up and wait.”. I do not like to wait. I am a very impatient person. The Lenten season seems to be all about waiting.

The disciples, and the people of Israel, were waiting for a king…a military leader to free them from their oppressors. Palms waived as Jesus entered Jerusalem riding upon a colt. They were waiting for a savior, but not the type of redeemer that would hang upon a cross next to common criminals.

During Lent, we penitentially pause to reflect upon all that Christ has done for us. Sometimes we give up something. Other times we commit to additional church activities, greater acts of kindness, or increased offerings. We wait for the resurrection.

In our home, we display this cross during Lent and through Easter. Symbols of Passover, Lent, and Easter are all represented, including nails, a wine cup, a sponge, money bag, a stone, dried palm branches, a dreidel, and the cross itself. We also take the branches from Palm Sunday, and place them behind our portrait of Christ that hangs in a place of prominence in our home.

My wish for Easter Sunday is always the same…to wake to a sun-filled, warm, day full of worship, relaxation, joy, and a lovely family meal. Sometimes, it turns out to be a hectic, cold, cloudy, or snowy day filled with stress, frenzied church worship, harried photo opportunities, endless cooking, and family drama.

Lord, no matter what comes my way this Easter Sunday, let me take the time to focus on the fact that the wait is over. The stone is rolled away, and Christ reigns!

“But as for me, I will look to the LORD;
I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.”
Micah 7:7, English Standard Version

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado