CNY will soon end. But for those who are still in the celebration mood let’s turn to another celebration which will come soon in about 2 months time – EASTER!! This year it will fall on 12th April, 2009.

Most of us (I hope) know what EASTER is? We celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. Easter reminds us of the fulfilment of God giving us His only begotten Son to suffer and die on the cross and then be resurrected so man can receive salvation.

Both Alan and I attended the Home Cell Group Leaders’ meeting in our church yesterday. It's wonderful to meet all (almost) of the leaders/assistant leaders, Zone Pastors and leaders there. One of the items discussed was the series of short bible study where all home cell groups will conduct over a 6 week period in conjunction with the Lent season. You can find more information on this at http://www.fgacentre.com/. Check this out so that we will come prepared and make the study more meaningful and fruitful.

Someone did ask me … What is LENT?

A quick check on the internet … here goes … Lent is a 40-day liturgical season that begins on Ash Wednesday (25-02-2009) and ends on Easter (12-04-2009). Though the Bible doesn’t mention about Ash Wednesday or Lent, it has long been a tradition in many Christian churches wherein Christians prepare for Easter by observing during this period, a time of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline.

Sundays are not included in the 40-day count … why? Well, it seems the early churches saw Sundays as days to celebrate Jesus resurrection – so no fasting or penance allowed on Sundays. This tradition actually recalls the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness, fasting and being tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1-11).

Doing that 6 weeks study, reflecting on the issues, praying,etc is in some ways our version of celebrating Lent.Even though we may not celebrate it as part of the church calendar like many other churches do, we should always be reminded to examine ourselves before our God everyday and know what Christ has done for us, to repent, to understand our weaknesses and His strength.

I was in Greece many years ago around Easter time. I found that Easter was more significant there than Christmas when it comes to religious celebrations. You find more go to church during the Easter month than around December, if this can be taken as a gauge on how significant Easter is in Greece!! Down here, I guess it’s the other way round.

Now, if I am asked which is more significant - Easter or Christmas? Well, I would say both rank equally ….. why …. my view is that …

If there was no “Christmas”, there is no Jesus.
If there is no Jesus, there's no “Easter”.
His birth brought us hope,
but in His death He brought us life.

I will give you more details on that short bible study series when we next meet at our Home Cell meeting. Get prepared and ready for the Easter celebration. Meanwhile, have an enjoyable CHAP GOH MEH!! Time for throwing oranges they say … and it will not be a waste if you throw away those with tiny worms!! Wonder why I didn’t even had one this CNY!!