POLOKWANE – Christians across South Africa will have to celebrate Easter a bit differently this year due to the 21-day national lockdown. The President’s announcement means that residents will not be able to follow their traditional ways of going to church during Easter.

“First off, it is important for us to understand that even though things might be a little confusing right now, God is not confused. We may think everything is out of control, but the Bible assures us that God is always in control (Romans 8:28). You may be worried about your next salary at the end of the month and rightfully so. Instead of allowing worry to rule over you, lift up all your worries and cares to God in prayer and trust Him,” encourages Leading Pastor of Peoples Church, Pastor Mondli Cele.

He adds that when we think about how we can change the way we celebrate Easter, an important distinction needs to be made between the “message” of Easter and the “method” of Easter.
“The message is the essence, those things which are central and core to the very meaning of Easter. This can be referred to as the ‘what’ of Easter. The method is the traditions and ceremonies that have developed over the years of celebrating Easter. This can be referred to as the ‘how’ of Easter,” Cele explains.

He says the “what” must never change but that the “how” can change and now due to the national lockdown, it has changed. “Churches have been forced to lean heavily on technology and the internet. People will be able to stream the Easter services from the safety of their homes. Others, will have the sermons send to them via WhatsApp in the form of text or videos links.”

Cele adds that residents should use this time to bond with their friends and loved ones. “Use this opportunity to teach your children about the significance of the death and resurrection of our Lord. Use videoconferencing tools to keep in touch with friends and family members who are not with you. Pray for those who do not have a relationship with God, that they would open their hearts and accept Jesus Christ as the Lord of their lives.”

Cele’s tips for those who cannot stream the Easter messages:
• Have family bible study where you read the different scriptures regarding the journey Christ had to follow. From Him being captured in the garden of Gethsemane, being beaten, appearing before Pilates to be judged and sentenced to be crucified. Further on, being disowned by Peter and the story continues with Him having to carry his cross to Golgotha, and along the way he was helped by a man called Simone of Cyrene. Have discussions so that the children would understand. Ending with the death of Christ. These scriptures are from Matthew 26: 47 to Matthews 27:56. Continue the bible study with the resurrection of Christ in Matthew 28.
• Another way is to use this time to be creative and turn it into an activity the young ones will most definitely enjoy. Tell the story of Christ by through a play, using the different scriptures. This will get everyone to be involved in the storytelling.

Cele believes that even though the country is on lockdown, “We can make this year’s Easter celebration one of the most memorable ones by not focusing on the problem, but rather looking through the problem to see the opportunities and possibilities. Have a bless time as you remember the important event in the history of the world.”
cheryllee@nmgroup.co.za