EASTER: COOL, BRIGHT AND HAPPY

I’ve always looked forward to Easter. I’m at First Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia.  Arrived early to make sure I got a seat. It’s brisk outside, about 38 degrees but comfortable inside the magnificent auditorium. I do notice some women wearing large and attractive hats. I love it.

As a boy in Newport News I remember that women and young girls in my church, and most others, wore corsages. Men and boys proudly displayed red or white roses on lapels of new suit coats or sports jackets. In those days we all had our baskets brimming of with chocolate eggs, assorted candies and colored hard-boiled eggs lying on artificial grass. It was a fun time.

Today, there were lots of white- and gray-headed happy people. One older silver-haired fellow enthusiastically greeted people. Wearing a bright pink sports coat. his happy demeanor led to more smiles.  He looked sharp walking up and down the aisle before the music started. Of course, Easter brings on New Beginnings, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus. The choir led the singing of "Christ the Lord is Risen Today."

Seeing and hearing the festivities this morning, I recalled growing up in the early Fifties. After morning services, lots of folks paraded themselves downtown on Washington Avenue as a rite of Spring with their wives, girlfriends and families, sporting new hats and brightly colored spring ensembles. And, of course, showing off.

On this Sunday the church is filled to capacity. The 67-plus-voice choir and Church orchestra were at their best, in fact, extraordinary. The congregation joined in singing "Hallelujah to the Lamb," a moving outpouring. We all respectfully stood as the music reached the Hallelujah Chorus.

Senior Pastor Don Davidson’s message today is "Like Him We Rise." He gave the "good news."  He reminded folks that 86 percent of Americans believe Jesus rose from the dead. "God has promised more to us than just this life," Don said. "We should encourage one another for everlasting life. God has made a way for us to live forever."

Spring is obviously here despite the cool morning and bright sunshine. There is something about Easter Sunday that brings about a glow and freshness.

This is the earliest Easter in 84 years. The congregation appeared happy and uplifted by the music, the message and the atmosphere. Don Davidson is one of those rare pastors with the special Gift.

"We’re all going to go through the door marked death but on the other side is paradise," he said.

The next time the three-day Easter period (Sacred Tridum) comes this early will be in 2228. The last time it came this early was in 1913. Looks like I missed the latter.  I won’t be around for any parades for the former, 220 years from now. · Copyright 2008, Harry Covert.