Why do we call it EASTER?

Thu, Apr 17, 2014

Christian Living, Miscellaneous, Q&A, Spiritual Growth, Written Articles

Q & A

Q. Why do we call it EASTER, especially considering the history of Easter?

A. Good question. Some Christians have a problem with the term “Easter” due to its historical background. But haven’t you heard? Easter was converted from a pagan holiday to the most glorious holy day of all—the celebration of resurrection Sunday!

Consider what the Apostle Paul did on Mars Hill in Athens, Greece, when he saw the altar to the unknown god. Paul introduced the people to the true and living God who was made known through His Son Jesus Christ. He explained that Christ lived, died, and rose again so that we might know God personally and have a vital relationship with Him. The altar to the unknown God illustrates how all things work together for the glory of God! (Acts 17:16-34 & Romans 8:28)

The misguided, albeit sincere worship of idols has now been replaced by the worship of the one true and living God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Easter commemorates the day when Jesus Christ rose from the dead. This occurred on the 8th day, the day of the new creation. And that is why circumcision in the Old Testament is on the 8th day—a foreshadowing of the glorious things to come in Christ! Hallelujah!

So now, in the New Testament, circumcision symbolizes the circumcision of our heart; whereby, upon receiving Christ, our old evil nature in Adam is removed and replaced by a new divine nature in Christ. (Romans 2:28-29, 2 Corinthians 5:17) As a result, old things are passed away, and all things are made new. This is all because we have become a new creation IN UNION WITH CHRIST! And that’s why we celebrate Easter!

Of course, the short answer is that Easter is the term most readily recognized around the world as the celebration of resurrection Sunday. Hence, I elaborate on this in my message about “The True Meaning of Easter”.

Q. But, what does Easter have to do with eggs?

A. Not trying to defend the use of eggs but since they are part of the Easter tradition we can certainly use them for life lessons. Kids hunt for colored eggs at Easter time. Kids love an Easter egg hunt. Hunting for eggs is a fun game that children play. Since Easter eggs have become a part of the Easter tradition, we can certainly use them to teach an important life lesson.

Physical life is in the egg. Just as a seed contains the life of a plant, so the egg contains the life of the bird. Birds lay eggs and the baby bird grows inside the egg. If you look at the picture you will see the cross coming out of the egg. God’s life is made available to us through Christ’s death and resurrection from the dead.

Easter Sunday is the day that Jesus rose from the dead. God did a miracle and Jesus was brought back to life and came out of the tomb where he had been buried. God is the all powerful creator of all things. He is also the giver of life. Life comes out of death (John 12:24). God gives His life to us through His Son, Jesus Christ the Lord!

So, when you see an egg remember the life that it contains. When the egg is broken it is destroyed. But the life within is released. Christ was broken for us, He died for us. But His death brought forth His life when He was raised from the dead. And now, Christ offers to give His life to everyone who will receive Him.

When you receive Christ He comes to live His powerful life in you. Then you will never be alone. And you will always have the power to do what you need to do. In Christ you’ve got the life, and you’ve got the power. And that’s good . . . very good for you!