Good things come in threes

CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON

“Easter is to our faith what water is to the ocean, what stone is to

the mountain, what blood is to your body.”

-- RAYMOND I.

LINDQUIST

“The reason Jesus stretched out His arms on the cross was so He

could reach them around people like you and me.”

-- KEVIN A. MILLER

“God’s testimony. When was the last time you witnessed it? A

stroll through knee-high grass in a green meadow. An hour listening

to sea gulls or looking at seashells on the beach. Or witnessing the

shafts of sunlight brighten the snow on a crisp winter dawn. Miracles

that almost match the magnificence of the empty tomb happen all

around us; we only have to pay attention.”

-- MAX LUCADO

I chose three quotes for today because I thought about the three

days and all that occurred between Good Friday and Easter. One of the

most powerful church services I’ve attended is on Good Friday, when

we have a chance to write our sins on a piece of paper and nail them

to a cross. On one hand it’s a dark, somber and soul-searching time,

but it is also a time to remember and to thank God for his incredible

love. I’ll never truly fathom the magnitude of the sacrifice that was

made that day so long ago so far away, a day that changed everything,

a day that still brings hope and a future for us today.

On a morning walk recently, I passed a park with colorful chalk

Easter drawings. I remember drawing with chalk as a child, and I

remember many of our Easter services and celebrations, too. One

memory, which has become a habit to me and to my family, is a phrase

and a response. “He is risen!” is what we say, and the response is

“He is risen indeed!” Many people, including our family, will be

sharing that greeting and response this Easter.

I also love the songs we sing at Easter; many of them include the

word “Alleluia,” which means “Praise the Lord.” One of my very

favorites is entitled “Jesus Christ is Risen Today,” and is

attributed to Charles Wesley and Robert Williams. It was written in

the 18th century, and because it is Public Domain, I am pleased to

share the words and message with you today.

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!

Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!

Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!

Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!

Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!

Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!

Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!

But the pains that He endured, Alleulia!

Our salvation have procured, Alleluia!

Now above the sky He’s King, Alleluia!

Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!

Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!

Praise eternal as His love, Alleluia!

Praise Him all ye heavenly host, Alleluia!

Father Son and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!

Let us remember what God did for us, let us sing about it and

thank him for his love. Alleluia!

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

cindy@onthegrow.com or through the mail at 537 Newport Center Drive,

Box 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.