Written by Beth Spurgetis
People were suddenly nervous to stand close to one another. Toilet paper disappeared from the shelves. Our hands became raw from constant washing. Restaurants closed. Jobs were lost. Fear slowly crept in.
When everything Coronavirus blew into our lives, I had the thought, “Wouldn’t it be amazing if shelter-in-place was lifted just in time for Easter Sunday?” Quarantine would be this very real Lenten picture and Easter would be that much more glorious. We would give all the hugs and sing our Covid-free germs onto the friend in front of us.
Welp, doesn’t look like that is the plan.
I’m realizing today, however, that this weekend can and will be so rich. It’s “Christ is Risen” standing right in front of me telling me to hope in something greater than our current circumstances. As Aragorn says (and Pastor Kelly reminded us on Sunday), “Yet dawn is ever the hope of men.” This year, in a very vivid way, Easter is our dawn. We don’t get to put on new outfits and gather together to worship and take communion. We don’t get to see the friends and family with whom we would traditionally celebrate. I don’t get baked French toast and a lazy day around my aunt and uncle’s dining room table. Pastor Kelly’s LOTR reference sent me down a rabbit trail. Please bear with me as I hunt for more:
“But such was the virtue of the land of Rivendell that soon all fear and anxiety was lifted from their minds. The future, good or ill, was not forgotten, but ceased to have any power over the present. Health and hope grew strong in them, and they were content with each good day as it came, taking pleasure in every meal, and in every word and song.”
Easter is our Rivendell. We will bask in the Magnolias and the Cherry Blossoms. Together, we will sing songs from our living rooms and hem Seattle in with the truths of the gospel. I will go on a long walk and soak up the sunshine. We will be reminded that Covid-19 has no power over those who put their faith in Jesus.