Saturday of the Passion Week

by Kim · April 19, 2025

I took this photo of the Eastern (or Golden) Gate from the Mount of Olives just three weeks before the terrorist attack. It is believed to have been built by King Solomon. The gate was sealed in 1541 by the Muslims to try and keep Jesus from entering the gate when he returns to earth (Eze. 43). Of course this will not keep out the Son of God.

Last night we celebrated the death of our Savior at our church’s Good Friday service. That sounds weird if you don’t believe that Jesus was resurrected on Sunday. Jesus’ life wasn’t taken from him, he gave it willingly, and then in his own power, he came back to life, defeating death once and for all.

Often today, instead of funerals, we have celebrations of life. I like this perspective. Let’s celebrate what was good in a person’s life and the new life they are now experiencing in the presence of our Lord. I think Easter service is the perfect and best reason to celebrate a life – the life of our Lord and the eternal life he offers to you and me. And, the fact that we do this every year, is so good. To remember, and give glory to God for the gift of life.

Today we are preparing our hearts for the service and our food for the celebration meal afterwards. Almost every Easter since 1966 I’ve attended Easter service and then had a special lunch with family. Dale is at this moment making a coconut cake for tomorrow’s lunch which is being held at the home of our friends, Tom and Susan Matthews. This cake is in honor of my maternal grandmother who often made one to go with her meal. I’m also making a roast, which she often served.

What if this is the last Easter we celebrate on this earth? What if the Lord takes us home before another year has passed? To be in the presence of the Lord will be a nonstop celebration of life. I’m good with that!

Enjoy these photos from our trip. It was pretty amazing to be where Jesus walked and gave his life.