Some of you might not know who this is . . . it is Frank Heffelfinger.  And he is so glad to take off this jacket.  You see, all the prisoners wear orange in the jail where Frank has been for the last 5 years.  Yesterday, April 15 Frank completed his prison term and now he is a free man! 

Frank stayed at a motel last night.  And very early this morning, while it was still dark, just as planned, Frank went to his brother’s house, Uncle Floyd’s house.   Barabas was still sound asleep upstairs.  Frank got the box from the basement where he stored some things for the past five years.  He opened the box and there was his favorite blue shirt!  He hasn’t worn that shirt in five years!  Then the two brothers talked about their plans over a quick cup of tea.  And then it was time to say goodbye. 

Uncle Floyd said “I reckon I’m gonna miss you, Bro.  I wish you God Speed.”  Frank wanted so badly to see his beloved son Barabas, but he stuck to their plan, the plan that is best for Barabas.  And so Frank said goodbye to his brother.  “Here is the gift for Barabas” said Frank as he handed a big box to Floyd.  “I’m sorry I didn’t get it wrapped.”  And then the brothers gave each other a very big hug goodbye.

Frank went out front and where Captain Hale was waiting to pick him up.  Captain Hale is Margaret’s brother.  He is an airplane pilot.  They drove to the airport where they got on an airplane and flew off, far, far away, to Los Angeles CA.  This will be a whole new life, a whole new beginning for Frank.

Hours later, the sun crept through the window into Barabas’s bedroom.  The first thing he thought of when he woke up was “Hmmmmm!   It’s Easter!  Chocolate candy!”  He went downstairs to the kitchen.  Uncle Floyd was at the table and there was a big box on the table.

“What’s this?” asked Barabas.     “I reckon it’s for you,” answered Uncle Floyd.  “Open it and see!”

So Barabas opened the box.  Inside he found:  A chocolate bunny!   YUM

And there was something big in a bag in here.  Barabas opened the bag and Taa Daa!  It was a sleeping bag!  “Wow, I can use this when we go camping at the Skyline Drive,” said Barabas, excitedly.  And he opened it right up and laid down on it to try it out.  “Yep, it fits just fine,” he said. 

There was still one more thing in the box.  It was in a little package.  Barabas opened it and found a cross.  It looked like it was hand carved.  “Who made this?” asked Barabas.  “It’s for you,” answered Uncle Floyd.  “It was made for you to place on your bedroom wall, over your bed.  I reckon we can hang it there before we leave for church.”

Barabas looked at the cross.  He liked how it had two sides and two colors to it.  And the wood was nice and smooth.  He couldn’t explain just why, but something about the cross seemed special.  Uncle Floyd had said it was made just for him, but he didn’t really say WHO made it.  Barabas likes the cross.  Some day, he will learn that his father carved it for him while he was in jail.

Jesus died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures.  That means for everyone’s sin, even Frank’s sin.

God will wipe away the tears from all faces.  That means everyone’s tears and even Frank’s tears.

Jesus was raised from death in the tomb.  The promise of Easter is that Jesus has done this first, to lead us to new life, to lead Frank to new life as is God’s plan for our salvation. 

THE END

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