Midweek Moment

Holy Week. The segment of time that captures some of the most captivating events in all of human history. We have ascribed names to several of these days to show importance and significance to the events that happened on that day; Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday.

Churches around the world will host events to commemorate these days. Some congregations will have actors portray the Last Supper, complete with Holy Communion and some will even engage in the act of foot washing. Others will observe Good Friday with a Tenebrae Service, where they meet in a darkened space and meditate on the seven last words of Christ. Holy Saturday is observed in other places with various liturgical services to commemorate the day between Christ’s death and resurrection. And all Christian churches celebrate Easter Sunday as we join in the victory that is ours with Christ’s resurrection and victory over death.

We here at Druid Hills combine all those celebrations into one glorious occasion that takes place on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, the Easter Tableau. We have been hosting this gift to the community for 45 years! We give the public the opportunity to drive or walk through six scenes depicting those last moments in Christ’s life prior to his death. They will see live actors eating the Last Supper, they see Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, they see Simon of Cyrene carrying Jesus’ Cross, they witness the crucifixion, the tomb where Jesus’ body was laid, and the open tomb he left. A tremendous amount of hard work is put into this production so we can share with this community the power of Christ, the love of God, and the witness of the Holy Spirit. If you are not already a part of this drama, I encourage you to come by at least one night and experience it. This will definitely move your soul as you are taken back to this time to see how much you are loved by our Triune God.

Holy Week is a time that conjures up a whole myriad of emotions in believers. You may experience joy at the gift of salvation that we have been given, grief at the pain and death experienced by Jesus, hope that this life is not the end, gratitude for all God has done for us, thanksgiving for Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf, and the list can go on and on.

I encourage you make yourself vulnerable to this Holy Week. I invite you to open yourself up the power of the Holy Spirit as you find ways to mark this week in your faith journey. God came to us, met us where we were, and expressed to us his love and devotion in the deepest way possible. So this year, bathe in the love of God, bask in the care that is being poured out for you, and draw closer to the one the loved you first!

Happy Easter and I will see you all on Sunday!