Dyngus Day

Monday - April 18th

Today's Scripture to Read: 1 Peter 1:3-6

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In His great mercy, God has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

1 Peter 1:3

Dyngus Day celebrations take place in certain U.S. cities every year on the day after Easter. This unique Polish holiday signifies the end of Lent and the celebration of new life. Parades, Polish sausage, and Polish music headline the festivities on this particular Monday. 

My home area of South Bend, Indiana, is one of those cities that takes this Polish tradition very seriously. The city has a significant Polish heritage and population for a town its size. Each year, early in the morning of Dyngus Day, the Mayor of South Bend takes down the "Main Street" sign in the center of the city and replaces it with a street sign that says, "Dyngus Day." Later that evening, the "Main Street" sign gets put back into place. 

Although our family's Christian traditions did not include the same focus on Dyngus Day as other traditions, as a kid I loved hearing reports about the annual celebration. What kid wouldn't love it? Seeing the festivities on the evening news seemed to continue the excitement and enthusiasm beyond Easter Sunday. 

Whether or not your background included Dyngus Day celebrations, there is something to be said for continuing the joy of Easter right into the start of the new week. Jesus conquered death forever in His resurrection. He now offers all of us the hope of death's defeat. He gives us new birth, a fresh beginning, a life with Him that lasts forever. The Apostle Peter summed up so clearly what Easter means to all of us who have trusted Jesus as Savior: "In His great mercy, God has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Peter 1:3). 

The Risen Christ is our living hope. Through Him, we have the promise of eternal life forever and a satisfying life now. Nothing can take this gift from us. Whether or not we have a Polish heritage, Dyngus Day should be a happy day!   

What about you? Are you ready to continue the celebration? Why not text, call, or email someone "He is Risen" at some point today? Look to stir conversations about the resurrection with others. Look for ways to remind folks of Jesus.

The resurrection hope found in Jesus Christ changes everything forever - even on this Monday!