As I began preparing for this week’s bulletin article, I quickly realized that I have never written an article about Easter. I’m not sure why I have never broached the subject. Perhaps, it’s about the traditional view of the church and the fact that most still participate. Most of us know that the traditional view of the church is that we don’t participate in any celebration or holiday that is not authorized from Scripture. Yet, we also know that most of us still do. I am sure most of us have bought candy, eggs, even stuffed Easter bunnies. It seems that while we know and agree with the logic of refraining but still go along with it because we don’t want to disappoint the kids. Plus, we always look forward to watching the kids run around like crazy people trying to find an egg with a single piece of candy. It seems they enjoy every aspect of the holiday.

We know full well that Easter is not about bunny rabbits, eggs, or candy. We know that the point is the resurrection of Jesus and the celebration of new life.

Most of us have heard the numerous reasons why we shouldn’t participate in Easter celebrations. We are told that unless Scripture commands it we can’t do it. Yet, we know that we do many things that are not commanded and justify it with a logic that is questionable at times. Most things that are labeled expediencies are simply because it helps us accomplish what God wants. Does the Father want us to remember the Son, remember His love, remember His resurrection? If Easter helps us focus on Jesus, worship him, and focus on the resurrection; why is that a bad thing?

We are told that Easter was originally linked to a Babylonian fertility god and that participation is worshipping this false god. The truth is that this is a myth based on a faulty translation by Bede in the 2nd century (McRoy, 2009). There are no direct or indirect links to any false gods embedded in Easter. Yet, we do know that worship is not something that is accidental. No one can say, “Oops, I just worshipped!” According to Scripture, worship is an intentional act at an intentional place. This means that what I intend to do determines if I am worshipping. I cannot worship any god, real or imagined, by accident.

So, what’s the point of Easter? It is meant to help us focus on Jesus, on His death, burial, and resurrection from the grave. Without the resurrection, we would not have the hope of life after death, or an eternity in heaven. Easter is meant to help us worship our Lord and refocus our lives on Him. Let me encourage you to focus on Jesus, focus on His resurrection from the grave, and let that truth[1] encourage your heart and spirit. The promise of Easter is the promise of life after death for each one of us.

[1] The empty tomb of Jesus is historical fact, not just a religious idea. Even the Jews confess that the tomb was empty.

Works Cited

McRoy, A. (2009, April 2). Was Easter Borrowed from a Pagan Holiday? Retrieved from Christianity Today: http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/2009/april/was-easter-borrowed-from-pagan-holiday.html?share=%2fD%2bnuKyuY4dIKpsCAgddx5IkfUXHg1EZ