CROSSTRAX!
One man’s view
about the things
that really matter….
Stories that may
be strange, yet true,
from the Chaplain’s Travel Log….
What does the Easter story mean for us?
The message of Easter, and Jesus coming back to life, is about the purpose he gives us.
In the Bible, Jesus said of himself, Jesus answered, 6Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.7If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” (John 14:6-7 NIV). His resurrection means you can have a meaningful relationship with God the Father – the Creator of the Universe. Because of his victory over death by coming back to life, we too can experience a new, everlasting life. But not only does Jesus offer us a promise for the future, he also offers everyone hope for today.
Another Bible verse says that God helps us to find “the path that leads to a beautiful life. “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”(Psalm 16:11 NIV). It doesn’t mean we will never experience sickness, financial hardship, family crisis, disappointment, loneliness or grief – but it does mean that we can have hope even through those hardships. Jesus’ life, death and resurrection mean you are deeply loved, and you are not alone in your struggles. When life seems chaotic and confusing, Jesus offers us meaning and purpose, and a hope we can hold on to.
“Our hope is certain. It is something for the soul to hold on to. It is strong and secure” “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.” (Hebrews 6:19 NIV). We can celebrate Easter even when life is tough, because Jesus gives us peace, hope for the future and life-transforming joy.
Making sense of Easter customs and traditions
Understanding more about the Bible’s Easter story may have helped you understand some of the traditional Easter customs we enjoy today. Hot cross buns, traditionally eaten on Good Friday, carry the symbolism of the cross on which Jesus died. The spices inside the bun represent the spices used on his dead body when he was placed in his tomb. Another popular Easter tradition is, of course, to enjoy chocolate eggs. The egg itself is shaped like the tomb stone that rolled away from where Jesus was buried. And the traditional hollow inside of the egg represents his tomb being empty – as he had risen back to life.
The Easter Bunny even carries a connection to the true meaning of Easter. Jesus’ resurrection after his death offers us new life. Bunnies came into the picture as a symbol of Easter due to their connection with the message of new life.
(Acknowledgements: The Salvo’s)
Ron Paton
TRAX Chaplain