From Easter Baskets to Resurrection Power.

I’ve walked through different phases of what Easter has meant to me over the years.

As a little girl, I knew that Jesus was the reason for the season—but I didn’t fully understand what that meant. Easter, for me, was about the excitement of the Easter bunny, baskets filled with candy and toys, and the joy of an Easter egg hunt. I looked forward to wearing a pretty new dress my mom picked out and spending the day surrounded by family. It was special—but it was simple.

As I got older, the gifts became smaller, and the meaning of Easter started to sink in just a little more. I still didn’t fully grasp the depth of it, but I began to recognize that it was more than just traditions. I still looked forward to family time and dressing up—whether it was a new dress or a nice outfit—but something deeper was slowly beginning to grow in me.

Then I became a mom.

Easter started to look different again. I found joy in creating those same magical moments for my children—putting together Easter baskets, picking out their outfits, and setting up egg hunts. Watching their excitement brought me right back to my childhood. It was beautiful in a new way.

But somewhere along the journey, something shifted even more.

My relationship with Christ grew stronger, the true depth and meaning of Easter—Resurrection Sunday—has taken hold of my heart in a way I can’t ignore.

Now, I don’t just look forward to Easter Sunday. I find myself anticipating the entire journey—Palm Sunday, the weight of Thursday, the sorrow of Good Friday, and the overwhelming joy of Resurrection Sunday. Each day carries a significance that draws me closer to the heart of God.

I’m at a place in my life where Easter reminds me of the greatest sacrifice ever made so that I could have eternal life.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8

Every year, I find myself going to the book of Luke and reading the story of the resurrection. Each time, it deepens my relationship with the Lord and fills my heart with gratitude in a fresh way. There are moments when I am moved to tears—tears of joy and thanksgiving—because of the overwhelming love God has for us.

“He is not here; He has risen!” — Luke 24:6

That truth never gets old.

I think, in many ways, I now look forward to Easter even more than Christmas. Christmas celebrates His birth—but Easter reminds me of the sacrifice He made, laying down His life on that Friday and rising again on Sunday, conquering death once and for all.

Because of Him, we have hope.
Because of Him, we have life.
Because of Him, death is not the end.

Yes, I am thankful for time spent with family.
Yes, I am grateful for the joy of community during the Easter season.

But more than anything, I am thankful for Jesus.

His sacrifice.
His love.
His victory.

His story brings me to tears. Worship on Easter Sunday feels different—it’s deeper, more personal. My heart is so full that sometimes I can’t even put it into words.

And my prayer is this: that everyone gets to experience this kind of love. The feeling of salvation. The overwhelming realization of just how good God truly is.

God’s Love and Mine,

Carrie