So… a rabbit laid an egg?
We are just over the halfway mark for Lent, and I for one am getting tired of wearing sackcloth all the time. For devout followers of Christ, Lent can be a challenging, yet Holy time. Whether we give up or take on, our aim is to draw closer to God during this dark season of the year.
Our Canadian culture is becoming post-Christian; in fact, we might even be on the cusp of a post-Christian culture. More and more people know less and less of Jesus’ life and His sacrifice. It is easier to talk about a rabbit laying an egg than Jesus dying and rising.
Is there a way that we can take these opportunities and help begin the conversation—from a chocolate egg to a Risen Saviour? We are a few weeks away from Holy week and Easter celebrations—what can be done in your community to help bridge the gap?
Let’s share some ideas in the comments to help each other out.
For some additional tips or resources, check out ‘Stepping into Evangelism’ (yes, shameless plug).
By Daniel Gill March 22, 2015 - 1:19 pm
I can’t express in words try as I might how important it is to preach on sacrifice, as opposed to nosy gift giving. Mature people need to be welcomed and taught to honour the importance of sacrifice.
I highly recommend a thinker, kind of cliche to say this, MARCEL MAUSS
author of The Gift, it’s about how gift economies include manna in the totality of giving something to someone, when we give something we give of our souls as well, and this brings solidarity because it impels reciprocation. However the one precedes the other, it is one who offers themselves who is reciprocated. You cannot initiate someone therefor by simply raining presents on them with no prior act on their behalf. It’s the first step in developing profound relationships.
I recommend reading John 2 : 7
the Easter celebration of waking in the morning to a bunch of eggs is devastating.
Sorry. There is a sociological spiritual reason as to why. It is not ridiculous but a serious issue.
Easter stinks of deus ex machina, hallmark of terrible literature.
By Daniel Gill March 22, 2015 - 1:31 pm
If someone has a better translation than this offer your preferred one but this is the King James version of the story, from John 2:7 to 11,
Jesus tells them: FILL the water pots with water,
THEN he tells them, DRAW OUT now.
The one precedes the other. It’s an excellent Maussian example of reciprocity since he believed that the Gift yields return.
7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.