CROSSTRAX!
One man’s view
about the things
that really matter….
Pastor’s thoughts
for March….
What is Easter?
Easter is one of the principal holidays, or feasts, of Christianity. It marks the Resurrection of Jesus three days after his death by crucifixion. For many Christian churches, Easter is the joyful end to the Lenten season of fasting and penitence.
Despite hot cross buns and Easter eggs appearing on store shelves from early January, Easter is not an easily understood Christian holiday. For starters, the week is full of contrasts. There is honour and praise followed by a day of deep, dark sadness, followed by joy, hope and light.
?Holy Week refers to the days and events leading up to Easter Sunday. It starts with Palm Sunday – when Jesus was celebrated – and remembers his journey through to death. This includes his betrayal by a close friend, his last meal with his followers, a night of sorrowful prayer and then Good Friday – when Jesus died on the cross.
The true meaning of Easter is about the love Jesus has for us and the purpose he gives us.
In the Bible, Jesus said of himself, “I am the path, the truth, and the energy of life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Jesus died and rose back to life so everyone can have a meaningful relationship with God the Father – the Creator of the Universe. Because of Jesus’ 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 and joy for today. When the world causes us stress about the cost of living and health concerns, anxiety over safety, heartache, dissatisfaction, fear and many other crises or negative feelings, Jesus offers us something greater and deeper.
Jesus says, “I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]” (John10: 10b)
It does not mean we will never experience sickness, financial hardship, family crisis, disappointment, loneliness, or grief – but it does mean that we can have hope and peace even through those hardships. Jesus’ life, death and resurrection mean you are deeply loved, and you are not alone in your struggles.
How to celebrate Easter
Many of the Easter customs and Easter traditions we enjoy today stem from the biblical Easter story. 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.
As we approach this special time of Easter for Christians, it is an opportune time to share our faith with non-Christians.
Ron Paton
TRAX Chaplin