How do you recognize Good Friday with your loved ones?

By now it was noon. The whole earth became dark, the darkness lasting three hours—a total blackout. The Temple curtain split right down the middle. Jesus called loudly, “Father, I place my life in your hands!” Then he breathed his last. When the captain there saw what happened, he honored God: “This man was innocent! A good man, and innocent!” (Luke 23:44-47, MSG)

Growing up, our church family didn’t highlight Good Friday. Our emphasis was on the resurrection. The empty tomb. Victory over sin and death. The celebration part of the story.

Through my adult years I’ve come to see Good Friday as a day for reflection. Many traditions refer to the season of Lent as a time of “bright sadness.” It’s a spiritual paradox. The light of love shining brightly on the sadness of a broken world. For me, Good Friday is a moment of bright sadness. Suffering. Sacrifice. Sorrow. Viewed in the bright light of celebration. Forgiveness. Love. Hope. You may have already have a spiritual practice around Good Friday. If you don’t, consider making time with your family this Good Friday to sit with the paradox of bright sadness. Here are a few simple ideas to get you started:

• Dedicate an hour of your day to silence. Have the whole family join in.
  

• Start the hour by reading Matthew 26:47-27:66 (or one of the other crucifixion accounts) alone or together as a family.
  

• Ask family members to find separate spots to sit and pray or reflect on the passage.
  

• Play some music that reminds you of the price that’s been paid. Here are some ideas.
  

• Can’t find an hour? Spend 5 minutes. Listen to commemorative music as you work or drive. Share Good Friday reflections at lunch or dinner.

Whatever you do, I hope it’s a reminder of how much you are loved. And a reminder of the greatest story in all of history. A story worth telling. The reason ICC trains storytellers.