Good Friday

On holiday worship days, our church starts a half an hour later than our usual Sunday morning 9:30 am. That was a good thing today because I still had to finish making the cinnamon buns for brunch with my side of the family. In the end there was still time to spare.

Our worship service was very meaningful and beautiful. The sanctuary was darkened and candles were glowing  up at the front. Scripture was read and the Easter hymns were sung throughout the service, Oh Sacred Head Now Wounded, What Wondrous Love is This, to name a couple. Two young ladies of our congregation did some dramatic movement throughout the service and each time more of the candles were extinguished until the only candle that was lit was the Christ candle, and at the very end, it too was extinguished. It was stirring to the soul. Our pastor led us in a meditation that made us think more deeply about Christ's love and sacrifice. It was beautiful and touching -- a good reminder of the grace with which God has blessed us.

After church, we went to my parents' home for brunch. We all contribute something which makes it less busy for my mom, so that she can enjoy family time too. It was sooo nice to be able to sit outside. I think the last time we sat outside on an Easter weekend was, well I'm not sure when. I know I have photos of our children gathering eggs in the backyard with no jackets on, but the weather today was shorts type weather.

This evening was our usual pizza night and a movie. It was a nice way to spend a Friday. It was a Good Friday.

Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!” Matthew 20:17-19