The day between ...

When I was growing up part of our family's traditions for the Easter holiday weekend was watching one of the various movies depicting the Easter story.  Movies such as The Greatest Story Ever Told, King of Kings, The Robe, The Ten Commandments and Ben Hur had a certain calming effect as well as strengthening the elements of the Biblical narrative for their audiences (even though the films tend to use poetic or artistic license in hopes of increased sales).  I still enjoy watching these films.  All the stops were pulled in their making and this was in the days before compertized imaging.  I have to admit my favorite is the more recent film The Passion of the Christ.  I don't care what one thinks about Mel Gibson and his personal trouble of late.  The Passion is a fine portrayal.  Gruesome though it may be, it portrays a much more accurate account.  Let's face it, crucifixion was not pretty.  And yes, Gibson did include aspects which were not strictly in the Bible.  Two scenes I don't think have appeared in any other film are God's teardrop marking the moment of Christ's death and, following closely, the absolute dismay of Satan.  Many people wonder what Jesus did in that space between his death and resurrection.  We confess it in the Apostle's Creed:  'He descended into hell.' to declare his victory.  If you have never seen this film, these poignant scenes give one pause to consider what happened on the day between as the narrative flows into the resurrection.