Easter (or the same difference)

So it's not Easter anymore, as of 57 minutes ago, but this is my Easter post. So sue me. No, actually don't do that, you won't actually get any more rich. Anyways, Easter was great. Church was at Sydney Convention Center. That was wicked cool.

What was really sweet is that I realized that I have now celebrated Easter on three different continents. The first 18 years of my life I was in North America, last year I was in Kenya, and this year, obviously, I am in Australia. Now, I think it's noteworthy that I say this not to gain your recognition as someone who is well-cultured. Although I do fancy myself a well-rounded, understanding, and generally liberal individual, that is not the point of this blog.

The 'point', or central theme, is this. Easter is the same no matter where it's celebrated. Sure the methods differ, but the central message is the same. It would be foolish and ignorant to assume that everyone expresses their celebration and joy in the same way when it comes to Easter. But that's the beauty of it! Each different gathering that I have had the opportunity to be a part of on this sacred weekend has been wonderfully unique. Last year in Kenya, we were ever so privileged to be a part of not one, not two, but five services on resurrection sunday. And while we actually spent more of the day on our bus than in church, not one of those services was the same.

Each and every gathering of Christ-followers so passionately displayed gratitude for the sacrifice of Christ. From the sacrament and liturgy of the anglican church, to the relevance and spiritual encounter of Hillsong and everything in-between, I've found one thing constant - An imperfect people serving a perfect God. No one in the church is trying to be perfect. We hurt each other - if you haven't been hurt by the church, you haven't been going long enough. But hurt is healed through forgiveness, and love is over all.

So if you would be happening upon this and are disillusioned by the church, please know that I was once there. I saw the Jerry Fallwell's and 700 Clubs and George Bush's of the world and wished to never be associated with that brand of Christianity. I still want nothing to do with it. But I'm here to tell you that there is an awakening going on. The global church is starting to rediscover her place as the bride of Christ. She is starting to influence the world. She is finally starting to genuinely care about justice for the poor and downtrodden. She is on a mission to love the world into eternity. Jump on board, we're in for a crazy ride.