Easter

April 8, 2023

Easter is an incredible time to celebrate! We are joyous because Jesus, the son of God, died to pay the penalty for our sins. Why would we celebrate death? We celebrate because there is more to the story. Jesus defeated death, rising from death on the third day (the first Easter).

Has the reason for the holiday been lost? No, but we may not do all we need to do, to ‘connect the dots.’ Help children understand that a bunny is a symbol of Easter because Jesus brought us new life, and rabbits are more prolific in producing new life (baby rabbits) than most animals.

Eggs also are a symbol of new life. That’s why we celebrate with Easter eggs.

And what could be sweeter than Jesus making a way for us to have a never-ending relationship with God? Chocolate is everywhere at Easter, a sweet way of celebrating what Jesus has done.

Our new clothes for Easter are …new life! Baby chicks, even disguised as marshmallow peeps, represent new life!

We hurry to a 7 AM Sunrise Service because we remember that a few women went to Jesus’ grave on that first Easter, early in the morning, to find that death could not hold him. He died and yet is alive, and his spirit inhabits those who accept Jesus’ death as sufficient payment for their transgressions. He lives, that we might live! There is new life in Jesus Christ!

What a deal! Celebrate! Bring on the peeps and chocolate eggs and the bunnies and new clothes! Gather the family for a feast! If ever there was a day worth celebrating, this is it!

“Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God!’” John 6:68-69