What many folks around these parts know as Easter is coming up Sunday. Let’s look back. Have you ever wondered how they decide when Easter is? Well, start with the spring equinox (usually around March 21st), then go to the first full moon. It’s full as I prepare this. Easter Sunday is on the following Sunday. This year, that is April 4th.
Some pc folks let on that they would rather Easter be about Easter bunnies and Easter eggs and such. There has been a great deal of news about Easter being removed from the name of events such as Easter egg hunts as it is a “religious” holiday.
It’s not politically correct anymore to use the word Easter. How about “Spring Egg Hunt.” Or the Spring Bunny Rabbit. It’s a wonder they don’t call it the “Annual Oblong Spherical Shaped Object Hunt” or the “Hard-Boiled Colored Chicken Embryo Gatherin for Children.” Hey, that last one does have a kind of a nice ring to it, except that most eggs are plastic nowadays. That reminds me, I once saw a commercial where the Dad had hidden camouflaged eggs. Great idea ‘til later when you hit a bunch of rotten eggs with the lawnmower.
Really though, even though they are great to eat, what does looking for eggs have to do with the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?
And what about Easter as a name? The name “Easter” has its origins not in Christianity but in paganism. “Ostara” was the pagan goddess of fertility. Early Christians allowed their Christian celebration to be called “Ostara” (later spelled “Easter”) as they were attempting to convert pagan worshippers at the time. The eggs and bunnies and coloring and such are thought to have their origins in that “pagan” holiday.
So what does any of this have to do with what we should do as believers in the local church? Not so much…
Well, what are we to do? Should we quit colorin’ and huntin’ eggs? Do we need to quit callin’ it Easter? No, I don’t think that’s necessary. Many folks wouldn’t even know what it was if we didn’t call it Easter Sunday.
But we need to get down to the point of what that day is all about. Jesus is alive! He is risen!
If the cross and the burial would have been the end then it would have been pretty hard to follow Jesus even if He did die for our sins.
You see, I serve a risen Savior, He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! You ask me how I know He lives. He lives within my heart!
So, should we remember Resurrection Sunday as a special day? I don’t see how a Christian can do anything else. So eat the eggs and the chocolate bunnies and such if puttin’ on a few pounds isn’t a problem!. But tell others about the Jesus who died for you and for them and how the grave had no hold on Him. My Lord Jesus conquered death! He is risen! And He sits at the right hand of the Father. He has prepared a place for us in His Father’s Kingdom.
John 14:1-6, "Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and