Easter: A Problem Or A Gift

For the past two years, we’ve filled our sanctuary with hundreds of balloons at Easter.  It’s become sort of a tradition.   At least it’s becoming one.  I’m not sure when traditions cross the threshold to become actual traditions and not just something we’ve done for a couple of years.

Something to remember about beloved traditions though.  They probably weren’t always beloved.  More than likely they were controversial in the beginning.

We were sensitive to that when we brought the balloons into the sanctuary on Saturday before Easter.  Taking great pains to be sure they didn’t block anyone’s view of the altar, or the projection screen, or the cross.  That people could walk down the aisle without getting balloon strings in the face.  On and on.  All possible objections were anticipated.

It wasn’t until Easter morning, when the kids came into the sanctuary for worship, with squeals of delight at all the balloons, that I realized how much we, as adults, treated the balloons as a problem.   Our vision was clouded by so much, adult stuff.  We had so many problems to solve before the balloons could be joyful.

The kids though, came in with clear eyes, grabbed handfuls of balloons and gleefully swung them back and forth.  They understood immediately.  The balloons weren’t a problem.  They were a gift.  Like the empty tomb, or like the angel sitting on the stone patiently waiting for someone to announce the good news to.

He is not here, he is risen!

Don’t be afraid.  Don’t make it a problem.  Just grab a handful of balloons and hang on tight.