Last Friday we had a Christian Passover, where we looked at the symbolism of passover, how the traditions and rituals point to Jesus. 20 students came to our flat which we have appropriately named the "Upper Room" because that is essentially what it is. It was crowded, there was barely enough food for everyone, and it was our first time ever doing something like that. However, it was an evening of beautiful reflection, respectful meditation of Jesus' last supper, complete with lamb, pita, matzah (Sarah and I made both the breads from scratch), charoset, bitter herbs, parsley, candles, and scripture. Afterward we ordered pizzas and had deep theological debates and played worship music on guitars.
Some fun facts about Easter in New Zealand:
1. It's not common at all to dye eggs, in fact I couldn't find eggs with white shells anywhere
2. They looooove their chocolate eggs
3. Hot cross buns are a must for Easter morning, and the week after they go on sale like nobody's business
4. No Reese's Peanut Butter eggs!
5. Even though most of the country does not practice Christianity, both Good Friday and the day after Easter are national holidays, meaning nothing (YES nothing) is open for business. It is more just an excuse for people to take a holiday. One journalist said publicly that he cannot ethically take those days off because he is not a Christian, but the rest of the country doesn't mind
So as you are eating jelly beans and chocolate bunnies, I will enjoy a cadbury egg and think of you. Remember what this day is really about; God's mercy and justice meet at the cross, and we now have life.
I know that my Redeemer lives (Job 19:25)
PS - Love those Reese's Eggs. I will eat one for you :)
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