For the last 25 years, save one or two that we missed in order to be in Manitoba, we have started our Easter morning with an outdoor sunrise gathering. Over 25 years that has meant sunny and warm days, snowing and cold days, and everything in between. Today’s strong winds made -8 feel rather chilly, accompanied by fresh snow overnight to cover the spring crocuses.
For me this is the perfect contrast to the Good Friday service of darkening and silence. Today we arise at an unreasonable hour, go out into the unpleasant cold, and go to the river to meet others who have done the same silly thing. And we laugh, and hug, sing a song or two, look for the sun (or eastern light), hike or amble along the river (the speed depends on the weather), gather around a fire, and share some bannock, bread, chocolate, etc., depending on the year. Regardless of the weather, this gathering is warm, heartfelt, simple, relational, and impractical – a perfect acknowledgement that this day is not normal.
