Author: Deb L Waters

When I think about Easter, I do not think about the Easter Bunny, Egg Hunts, or Easter Baskets. What do I think about? I think and reflect on the real reason for the Easter season.

Beginning with Good Friday, remembering the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot with a kiss. Reflecting and Remembering Jesus willingly took my place on the cross to die in my place. Jesus, the Son of God and the Son of Man, who knew no sin (no wrong) gave up his life so I might live abundantly.

Who else would ever be willing to trade their life for mine? No one comes to mind that would be willing to make that sacrifice.

I recall the trial of Jesus, the thrashings Jesus took, and his carrying his own cross. That must of been a hard agonizing experience. He would have already been in excruciating pain from his harsh treatment and exhausted. He never gave up. He willingly endured the heavy weight of the cross for over approximately seven hundred (700) yards all the way to Golgotha. His Enduring the crowds and the people mocking him the entire way.

I remember Jesus’ Resurrection, sorrow turning to joy. He is Risen! I remember reading about Mary Magdalene discovering the empty tomb where Jesus was laid. I recall the Angels reassuring Mary Magdalene and the other women at the tomb to not be afraid. The angels saying “He is not here; He has Risen.”

When we/I celebrate Easter, I celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. I believe Jesus lives. I do not celebrate the Easter Bunny (even though many do). I do allow participation in Easter Egg hunts (they are fun activities for children), but I also try to explain about Jesus and his sacrifice as the real reason Easter is celebrated.

I also recall early morning sunrise services at the cross. For 109 years, Mt. Helix Park in La Mesa, California (located within San Diego County) has held an Easter Sunrise Service beginning at 6 am.

The sunrise service atop Mt. Helix began in 1917, long before the amphitheater was ever built. The amphitheater was created around 1924-1925 by the Yawkey and Fletcher families. The first sunrise service to be held in the amphitheater in Mt Helix Park was in 1925. The Mt. Helix Sunrise Easter service is the second longest-running Sunrise Easter service in the United States of America. The service is an historic celebration and also has an awe-inspiring beauty as you face the rising sun and the panoramic views of the city, the mountains, and the Pacific Ocean.

The Memorial Cross is situated directly above the amphitheater on the summit. The Cross is made out of stone and is thirty-five (35) feet in height. It is Mt. Helix Park’s most prominent landmark and is visible from the amphitheater seats. I have never been to another sunrise service that ever came close to the experience of an Easter Sunrise Service atop Mt. Helix Park.

God Bless. Happy Easter! Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.