Sunday 12 April 2009

HE IS RISEN.....HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA.

The following wasn't quite what I had planned for today. It came to me in an Easter greetings email from Sybil. Sybil has lots of friends so you may already have seen it but, whether you have or not, the message is the same:


CHRIST HAS DIED,

CHRIST IS RISEN,

CHRIST WILL COME AGAIN



The Empty Egg


Eight-year-old Steven was mentally retarded and had many health problems. His health appeared to be growing worse ever daily. His teacher was concerned his classmates might stop identifying with him and loving him as they became more aware of his differences.


In April, the teacher asked the class to put together one plastic Easter egg filled with a small object representing new life in the Spring. Thinking Steven might not understand (and not wanting to embarrass him), the teacher had each child place their egg on her desk so that she could open each one individually.


She needn't have worried. The first egg contained a tiny wild flower, which truly was an indication of new life.


Next, came a rock and the teacher assumed the rock was Steven's. Her reasoning was that rocks don't symbolize new life and growth. But a little boy shouted from the back of the room that the rock had moss on it, thereby showing new life. The teacher agreed.


A butterfly flew out of the next egg and the little girl that brought it bragged that the butterfly was hers, and how it had come from a cocoon, symbolizing new life. The teacher agreed again.


The fourth egg was empty. The teacher knew this had to be Steven's egg, and she nervously set it aside, hoping he wouldn't notice. As she began to pick up a different egg, Steven excitedly announced that the empty egg was his! Hesitating, the teacher replied, "But it's empty!""That's right," said Steven. "Just like Jesus' tomb was, and that means new life for everyone!" The teacher was amazed at Steven's insight and his love for Jesus.


Later on, at the end of the school year, Steven's condition worsened and he died. At his funeral, the children from his class each placed an empty Easter egg among the flowers. Many of the adults at Steven's funeral were puzzled by the appearance of all the eggs, and the message Steven shared with his classmates was shared again! An empty tomb some two thousand years earlier gave Steven the hope of a new life! Although the flowers were beautiful, it was the empty eggs that shared the message of hope in Eternal Life through Jesus Christ!


What a wonderful message to share this Easter with those you love."Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is nothere; He is risen!"? Luke 24:5 NIV


~Author Unknown~


A Blessed and Peaceful Easter to everyone


8 comments:

Sugar said...

HE IS RISEN!
HAPPY EASTER!

LYN said...

HAPPY EASTER!
SORRY TO HEAR WBOUT YOUR FRIEND LINDA..

Marie Rayner said...

HappyEaster Angie! Lovely Sybil sent me this as well and I loved it. I didn't mind reading it twice though, so thanks for posting! I hope that you and Keith are having a lovely day. Me, I have to work. Yesterday was my only day off this weekend, but no worries, at least I have a job! Talk to yu Tuesday night! XXOO

StitchinByTheLake said...

I hadn't seen this story before Angie and it's beautiful - thank you for passing it on. Easter blessings, marlene

Sandra said...

Hi Angie,

I was sent this email just this morning. Happy easter to you. :o)

Love and Hugs

Sandra xxxx

Kath said...

Hi Angie I have read and recieved this too HE IS RISEN.I love it and anything like."Happy Easter" to you and Keith.Take Care God Bless Kath xx

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Alleluia - Happy Easter to you too!
'On Ya'-ma

Grammy Staffy said...

What a lovely story.
Happy Easter Dear Angie.

Our hearts are full... we feel so blessed this Easter.

We have a Calan home from the hospital. He has celebrated his first Easter with us. Come visit me if you want to see pictures.

WE ARE SO THANKFUL!!! Thankyou for your prayers... they worked!!!
Love, Lura