April 1, 2001 HERE'S MY HEART... "He is not here; He has risen!" These words, recorded in Luke 24:6, are the foundation for the celebration of Easter by Christians all over the world. In a few days, we will join those Christians in remembering the resurrection of Jesus. It is A MOST significant observance on our Christian calendar. Without Jesus' life and teachings, we have no guidelines and direction for our lives. Without His death, we have no forgiveness for our sins. But, without His resurrection from the dead....we have no HOPE for eternity. Let us join with the song writer, as we lift our voices to sing, "He arose! He arose! Hallelujah, Christ arose!" Most of us have observed Easter Sunday all our lives. As a child, it was a time for new clothes, Easter Egg Hunts, and family get-together. There are Easter Cantatas by choirs and special Easter programs. For some, there are Sunrise Services early on Easter morning. We have read the Easter story again and again. But, what does the resurrection mean to us? What does the resurrection mean to you? Is it a "present reality" or merely a "historical fact"? Does the living Lord rule and reign in your heart daily, or is this just another long weekend, a time for Easter break, or simply the beginning the Spring? Let this Easter Sunday be different. More than anything, rather than just attending an Easter worship service, let it be a time to TRULY WORSHIP the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Celebrate Jesus' victory over death, hell, and the grave. Rejoice that the same victory is yours, or can be yours, through a personal relationship with Jesus. It is a day for celebration. Amen. On behalf of our entire church family, let me invite you to spend Easter Sunday with us. We will have our two regular Morning Worship Services, at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., with special music, and a special message about the empty tomb. We would welcome the opportunity to minister to you and your family. Come join us. And, if you can't worship at Dixie Lee, worship SOMEWHERE on this special day. Your life will be blessed and your eternity may be changed as a result of the time you spend with the Lord that day. God bless you. Jim Clayton, Pastor