“The angel answered and said … Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen…”

— Matthew 28: 5-6

Are you ready for Easter? No, I didn’t ask if you bought your new Easter finery, chocolate bunnies, a ham for dinner, preparations for Easter egg hunts and family gatherings. I asked if you were ready for Easter, the true Easter celebration of the risen Lord.

As Palm Sunday arrived, I started thinking about Jesus’ triumphant arrival into Jerusalem with shouts of “Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” (Mark 11:9) My thoughts then turned to how quickly events changed that week. How could people go from praising the arrival of Jesus to cries of “Crucify him?”

While reading a recent USA Today, I came upon an article written by a rabbi and a Christian pastor talking about their preparations for Passover and Easter. Both talked about taking time to get away and spend time in nature meditating and reflecting on the meaning of this season holy to both Jews and Christians. They made it a point to go to the mountains during the week prior and spend time alone with God.

I thought what a wonderful thing that might be for some, but what about all of the rest of us who are unable to get away. For most, the days are filled with work and other activities resulting in going non-stop from early morning to late at night.

I have a plan for these people, which I read in a recent devotional. The author told of her busy lifestyle and how she spent more time in God’s Word. She takes two index cards each week and writes one or two verses on them. One of them she sticks on the bathroom mirror and the other she carries with her. During the week she not only reads the verse, but she meditates and thinks about it and how it applies to her life.

It is amazing how you can find a moment here and there to meditate on God’s Word. I think of it like a cow chewing her cud. I find that when I take the Word of God and go over it time and time again, just like the cow, I get something useful from it each and every time. I internalize it and it becomes a part of me.

In the time remaining before Easter, I am looking at the events of that week in a deeper way. Instead of just reading, I am meditating and reflecting and focusing on the great sacrifice of Jesus not only for me, but the entire world.

When Easter morning arrives, what a celebration as we gladly proclaim a risen Lord! A favorite song of mine at Easter is “He’s Alive” including the lyrics: “He’s alive! I’m forgiven and heaven’s gates are open wide!”

What a celebration for all of us because our Savior, Jesus Christ is alive.

Debra Whittington is a longtime resident of Tucumcari. Contact her at: dawhittington@msn.com