Christians celebrate Easter with sunrise services

The Bible, in the Gospel of Luke, says that even Jesus's disciples were surprised when they learned of his resurrection.

They, too, had to be convinced.

Centuries later, and with the symbolic image of the sun rising in the east, several dozen Christians gathered at the river park in Colusa to celebrate the foundation of their faith.

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, yet shall he live." (John 11:25).

The sunrise service has become an annual event in Colusa.

A sunrise service also was held inside the clubhouse of the Arbuckle Golf Club, and the sermon of Christ's gift to the world was extolled in Christian churches everywhere.

Millions of Christians around the world celebrated the message on Sunday.

A day earlier, Easter belonged to the children.

They gathered at a park in Williams, at the fairgrounds in Colusa and in backyards all over the county.

Their quarry were brightly colored eggs.

Their weaponry, baskets and grasping hands.

Their strategy, unbridled enthusiasm, energy and the occasional forearm shiver to move a competitor away from the prize.

Family barbecues and other events also have become part of the Easter tradition.