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Today is Holy Saturday, the day in between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It’s a day flanked by sacrifice and suffering on one side and resurrection and victory on the other.
I sometimes wonder what God was thinking or feeling or doing on the day after his son’s death. Did that day after the crucifixion feel agonizingly long—even though he surely knew what was to come? Or think of the confusion Jesus’s followers were in. And what might creation in general have felt? Is it possible for the earth to hold its breath? If rocks can cry out in praise, then can nature mourn?
I’ll admit that sometimes Holy Saturday is lost to me in the fun of family gatherings and picking out a pretty outfit for Easter Sunday and snacking on Cadbury mini-eggs. (MMM!)
But as I sat down to write this post—knowing I wanted to write something Easter-related—it occurred to me that day two in the greatest three-day drama ever is perhaps the tensest point in all of history. Think about it, all of creation—whether it knew it or not—was waiting to be saved. A battle unlike any human war was in play.
The day may have felt quiet…mournful…empty.
But in reality, what seemed to be creation’s longest, slowest wait ever, was—in a spiritual sense—probably the most epically full day ever. Because Sunday was coming. And there was work to be done.
Holy Saturday reminds me that sometimes when all is silent and seemingly lost in my world, what’s happening behind the scenes is beyond my imagination.
God is at work. He’s always at work. Which means there’s hope in every tense moment. An end to every wait. And an incredible significance even to everyday life.
How are you celebrating Easter this weekend? What does Holy Saturday mean to you?
Melissa Tagg is a former reporter turned author who loves all things funny and romancey. She's the author of Made to Last and Here to Stay, as well as a current nonprofit grant writer, marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy and total Iowa girl. When she's not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever, watching classic movies and daydreaming about her next story. She's passionate about humor, grace, and happy endings. Melissa blogs (and vlogs!) regularly and loves connecting with readers at www.melissatagg.com.
Melissa, you summed it up very nicely. Nothing I were to add would improve your definition of this day in history. And, since I’m being completely honest, I’ve never given this day much thought. I’ve always focused on Good Friday and Easter. Thank you for reminding me of the awesomeness of this day. Praise the Lord for His patience and sacrifice. For His unending love. For His saving grace.
Blessings,
Andrea
Thanks for the comment, Andrea! Yeah, I was happy about the fact that I was scheduled to write this post for this particular day–simply because it got me to think about a day I don’t often think about. Hope you had a wonderful Easter!
Melissa, just beautiful. It’s good to remember that when things seem bleak on this side of the veil, God is still at work, still watching and still loving. I so appreciate this perspective!
Yep, it’s such a comforting thought to know he’s at work even when we don’t see it!
Very well written. I especially liked the way you said that all creation was waiting for salvation – never thought about that Saturday inbetween as all nature waited to see what would happen. On a side note – just finished your book, “Made to Last” fun story line and short night for me :) Look forward to reading more of your work. Happy Easter,
Jen
I’m so glad you enjoyed Made to Last, Jen! Thanks a bunch for reading and for letting me know. Hope you were able to catch up on sleep. :) Happy Easter!