It's a far cry . . .

Yet another so-called church has completely lost sight of what Christianity and worship is all about. Bay Area Fellowship of Corpus Christi is having a Price is Right type Easter celebration today. What was once the most holy day of the year has become a cheap, tawdry carnival. People who attend this extravaganza on Easter Sunday will be given goody bags worth several hundred dollars. They also are eligible to win prizes such as microwaves, cars, televisions, and furniture.

Here's a blurb from their website: YOU are the next winner of The Ultimate Giveaway! That's right . . . with nearly $1 MILLION in prizes and giveaways, this Easter, everyone will win something at Bay Area Fellowship! And, wait . . . that's not all. Each service we're giving away FREE FLATSCREENS, LAPTOPS . . .AND CARS!!!"

Seems a far cry from Jesus praying in the garden. Seems a far cry from Jesus on the cross saying, "I thirst." Seems a far cry from Mary weeping at the cross as Jesus commends her to the care of the beloved disciple. Seems a far cry from "My God, My God, why has Thou forsaken me?" Seems a far cry from the Marys and Peter and John going to the tomb to discover He wasn't there. Seems a far cry from the Road to Emmaus. Seems a far cry from Thomas believing when He saw Jesus alive. Doesn't, however, seem such a far cry from the Romans gambling at the foot of the cross for His robe.

For all my friends and family, most all of whom thankfully still understand and reverence our Savior's wonderful gift, I wish you a most blessed Easter Sunday.

"Church plans Easter giveaway." The Dallas Morning News; April 1, 2010; p. 3A.