EASTER SUNRISE
Cowboy Poet
On The Back Porch
Believe it or not, Easter is pert near upon us. The old timers always seem to expect “an Easter spell” which sometimes can make you pull the covers up a little tighter! An early Easter normally heralds an early spring and that seems to be the case this year. In fact, it seems that we have already been enjoying spring weather. I know that folks use several methods to predict springtime, but when I was just a sprout, folks knew when it was springtime and also time to plant cotton when the ladies, my Aunt Biege being one of them, would go to the creek to fish and instead of sitting on buckets they just sat on the ground because it was warm enough. And I tell you, those ladies always knew! So, how do you know when Easter is going to happen? Although the method of calculating the date for the Easter Celebration has been altered through the years, we currently determine the date as the Sunday following the Paschal Full Moon that occurs after the vernal equinox. In 2026, the spring equinox falls on Friday, March 20. The full moon after that — known traditionally as the paschal moon — will occur on Thursday, April 2. Since Easter must fall on the Sunday after the paschal moon, the holiday will be celebrated on April 5. This observance of Easter which is based on the Hebrew Passover, has experienced many changes with its timing since the followers of Jesus did not properly document the date of the crucifixion. Jesus became the perfect Passover sacrifice since he was crucified in Jerusalem at the time of the Passover. The Bible (John 1:29) shows that John the Baptist, upon seeing Jesus coming toward him said, “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” Christians honor the death and resurrection of Jesus as we celebrate Easter. This is a poem that I wrote to commemorate the Easter Celebration.
EASTER SUNRISE The dawn is breakin’ in the East with sunbeams bright as gold.
Just like the morn at Jesus’ tomb, the story that we’re told.
Our Savior died upon the Cross, tho’ sinless man was he, to justify the sins of man an’ set each of us free.
As Jesus prayed at Gethsemane, the sins of man he bought.
The chief priests came to Jesus there, false evidence they sought.
Brought to Pilate, the Governor, to answer here this day, “Are you the King of all the Jews?” “Yes, it is as you say.”
“I will release one prisoner”, Pilate spoke to the crowd, “Be it this man or Barabbas?” The people shouted loud, “Barabbas, release Barabbas!” “But what of this Jesus?”
The crowd shouted, “Crucify him!” Pilate settled the fuss.
Had him flogged, prepared for the cross, an’ sent him to the Golgotha Hill, The Place of the Skull. Prophecy to fulfill.
They forced him to Golgotha’s peak, an’ nailed him to the cross.
They called to him to save himself, seek pardon from the Boss.
Darkness came over all the land. The ninth hour he did say, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me this day?”
Then Jesus gave up his spirit. The temple curtain split. The Earth shook, tomb stones rolled away, His Life He did commit.
The rich man, Joseph, gave his tomb to Jesus there that day.
Wrapped in fresh clean linen, in the tomb, Jesus’ body lay.
The Pharisees said to Pilate, Sir, that deceiver said, “In three days I will rise again’” “Secure his tomb”, they pled.
They put a seal upon that stone with guard to be complete.
The Angel of the Lord came down, rolled the stone an’ took a seat.
The dawn is breakin’ in the East with sunbeams bright as gold.
As the two Marys took the path toward the tomb so bold.
But found the stone was rolled away, an Angel they did see.
Proclaimed that the Lord had risen as in the prophecy.
“Be not afraid”, the angel said, “But come see where he lay.
For he has risen from the grave and walks with you today.
You are to tell his disciples the miracle this day.
Now he journeys to Galilee, for not long he will stay, Then appear to the eleven, their shaky faith to prod.
An’ soon will ascend to heaven, sit at the right hand of God.”
The women quickly went away, afraid, yet filled with joy.
They hurried on to Galilee with news they must deploy.
Eleven went to mountainside where Jesus came to them.
He gave them all a job to do, an’ then they worshipped Him. He sent them to baptize nations, His teachin’s to engage.
“Surely I am with you always. To the end of the age.”
© Ol’ Jim Cathey We thank God for our Savior Jesus Christ! I hope each one of you, a joyous Easter Celebration, I will see you in church. God bless each of you and God Bless America!