Celebrating Easter in the Midst of the Coronavirus

As I write these words, my country prepares to face the peak of the Coronavirus Crisis, even as we make plans to celebrate Easter. I can’t help but marvel at the paradox. One event stirs fear in our hearts as we watch the number of deaths grow. The other, because it holds the only solution to death, offers a beacon of hope:

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. (Hebrews 2:14-15 NIV)

Most of us can relate to this fear of death. Beyond the mystery of the unknown, death separates us from the ones we love. Communication, once taken for granted, is gone. Our loved ones no longer hear the words we long to say, just as we can no longer hear their voices.

Because Jesus understood this heartbreak, He prepared His disciples prior to His death. Just hours before His crucifixion, He offered these words of comfort:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:1-3 NIV)

Jesus longed for His disciples to know their separation would be temporary. As believers, we can hold on to the same promise.

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. (John 14:23 NIV)

These words soothe the hearts of those of us who choose to believe and to obey Christ. Although all of us will still face physical death, we know it will be temporary. We can look forward to eternal life with Jesus.

But what about those who are not believers? I fear more for the people I love, but who have not yet surrendered their lives to Christ. Without the resurrection of Jesus, there is no solution for death.

Enter Easter. I can’t help but wonder at God’s timing. Never before in history has the reality of our own mortality reached such global proportions. This pandemic has only solidified a truth we all know, but rarely acknowledge: Tomorrow is promised to no one.

Even as people wrestle with this reality, references to Jesus and the empty tomb abound on social media. As an unbeliever growing up in the United States, I remember becoming aware of Jesus at two specific times each year: Christmas and Easter.

My curiosity pushed me to search for the story between the crib and the cross. Although I tried to find the answers on my own, I only truly understood when a coworker offered to study the Bible with me.

I know I am not alone.

All around us, people are searching to find meaning and answers for our current situation. As Christians, we have the unique opportunity to share the one truth we all need to remember:

The empty tomb empties death of its power.

 Easter will look different this year. Because of social distancing, our celebrations will be limited to virtual experiences.

But different doesn’t necessarily mean inferior. Despite its unique challenges, the Coronavirus Crisis could actually usher in one of our most meaningful Easter celebrations. As we share our hope in Christ with the people around us, let us remember Paul’s encouragement:

As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says,

“In the time of my favor I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you.”

I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. (1 Corinthians 6:1-2 NIV)

Wherever the road leads you this Easter, I pray hope fills your heart and strengthens your spirit.

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