In Luke 2:40 we see that Easter started long before Jesus ever hung on the cross. As a child, he was found in the Temple - that was church back then. He was reading the Bible, and discussing it with others. He grew strong in body and wise in spirit. And the grace of God was on him. You see, Jesus didn't just wake up one day with the command to go to the cross. He grew up learning to hear God's voice, practicing obedience, disciplining himself to get to know God through His Word. The same is true for us. If we want to handle the "big stuff" in life God's way, we will start now practicing handling the little stuff His way. I wasn't taken to "the temple" as a child, so my practice didn't really begin until I started driving myself to church at 17 years old. But, my kids (8, 4, and 1) have already begun! We watch Easter videos throughout the year and they are some of their favorite movies. I am grateful that these kids will have tons of practice living life God's way by the time they're adults. Easter will always be more than a once-per-year candy-fest to them. We can all celebrate Easter to the fullest by restoring the childlike faith by which we enter the kingdom of heaven, and commit anew to practicing our faith in the biggest and smallest things January through December. Everyone, young and old living to follow Jesus... that's what Easter is really about.

Luke 2:40