Easter Stories; Hebrews 11:32-40

As a child, I never understood what the fuss of Easter was about. I simply accepted that once a year, we colored eggs, there was chocolate, and a basket with a few gifts showed up. Oh, and there was that Easter grass . . . that stuff got everywhere! As I grew into faith, Easter took on meaning. I remember the first Easter after I said "yes" to Jesus. I attended all the services: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, even Sunrise (I had no idea God got up that early)! Then, after I came home, I opened my Bible and read each Gospel's resurrection story. I remember thinking, "This changes everything." I believe it still does. The Easter story changes our stories. As we lead up to Easter, we're looking through the Bible to find Easter stories in unusual places (not just at the ends of the Gospels). We're also going to be hearing our own stories and seeing how the Easter story has brought new life to us.