One of the fun things about having a home again is being able to decorate. After Christmas, Easter is my favorite time of the year. I can’t imagine my life without the momentous events that happened that day so long ago – when the Lord and Creator of the Universe took my sin upon Himself, paid for it with his life, and then conquered death. What a day to celebrate! Yet the things available for decorating at Easter time are spring decorations rather than Easter ones. Stores are full of spring flowers, chicks, bunnies, and pastel-colored eggs.
There is one suitable decoration that I can sometimes find. It is not as easy to find as chicks and bunnies, but I do occasionally run across one. Over the years, I have managed to collect a number of them. Some are soft and cuddly stuffed animals, and some are quite realistic. These lambs and sheep serve as a reminder to me of several wonderful things during this time of year. I remember what Isaiah says: “All we like sheep have gone astray. We have turned everyone to his own way.” I think of Jesus, the Passover Lamb who gave Himself for our sins so that death would pass over us. I remember that not only is He is the Passover Lamb, but He is also our great and wonderful Good Shepherd. 
So about six week before Easter, the lambs and sheep make their appearance – on the bed, dresser, coffee table, and anywhere else I can find that is appropriate. When I head for bed at night and I move this one from its place, I remember, “The the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” As I drift off to sleep I can remind myself that He said, “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. . . .I lay down my life for the sheep.”
In the morning when I get up and I settle down to read my Bible, this one sitting on the coffee table in the living room reminds me, “As a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.” I think of Jesus’ quiet resolve before Pilate and his refusal to fight back when his beard was torn from his face and his back was ripped in shreds by the soldiers whips. I think of his quiet agony as he was nailed to the cross. The others being hung that day must have railed against the soldiers who crucified them. But not Jesus. He faced it in quiet agony.
When I walk through the dining room, this cute one watches me from atop the china cabinet. When I see him, I remember: “He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter.” Our dear Passover Lamb with no blemish whatsoever was assassinated for my sins.Throughout these weeks leading up to Easter, I want to be reminded of the cost of redemption. It goes beyond what I can fathom. These little lambs and sheep serve as a continual reminder to me of the magnitude and magnificence of God. Bound as He was by His own justice and holiness, He still found a way – a very costly way – to show us mercy and love by redeeming us.
On Easter morning I will add some happy, joyful decorations to celebrate His victory over death. For now, though, I want to be caught up again in the wonder of His amazing love.
