Easter Day dawned sunny and bright, birds carolling a joyful song of high spirits and zest for life. Usually we’d be up at daybreak, a bonfire on the beach and the excited lighting of the Easter candle. Church bells ringing a peal of praise; the choir singing; packed pews and a host of folk eagerly greeting Easter Day with praise, prayer and Easter eggs.
But not this year. The coronavirus situation means that we are all confined to home, our churches are locked and our liberty restricted. It all feels very strange. Completely alien to the freedom we usually enjoy, celebrating the Great Festival in whatever way we might choose.
Usually, one of the happy spectacles of the season is the decorating of churches following the austerity and solemnity of Lent – a time when no flowers are to be seen in churches. As Easter arrives this changes dramatically. Altars, windowsills, pedestals – every nook and cranny – is decked with spring flowers. A cacophony of bright blooms bursting with light to celebrate the new life the Easter message proclaims.
Something I have missed most this year is the Easter Garden. Created by youngsters (and some eager grown ups!) on Holy Saturday it waits, forlorn and bare. Stones and pebbles depict the garden shielding a tomb-like cave. The tomb, where Joseph of Arimathea has laid the body of Jesus following the events of Good Friday. This tomb is sealed with a large stone… There seems to be little hope here.
But what is this? Any other year and Easter Day arrives; suddenly the garden is transformed. Small fingers have created a blaze of colour, blooms and rejoicing. The stone is rolled away; the tomb lies empty and the message of the risen Lord gets through at last to the disciples…
So it was poignant, walking past our lovely little church on Easter morning in warmth and sunlight, knowing that the door was locked and and access barred.
But we were in for a surprise…
In the doorway of the church, on bench and doorstep – the faithful had been at work and here were their offerings of flowers and decoration.
A simple combination of tulips and freesia lightened a dark corner.
We may be in lockdown but the Easter message still comes through… I am reminded of words from the 17th century poet George Herbert:
‘The Church with psalms must shout, no door can keep them out…’
In this case, just as the risen Christ bursts from the tomb, just as psalms fill the air, so the glad news of Easter will get out.
Happy Easter everyone!
