“If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you” – Romans 8:11
As a child, easter was one of my favorite holidays. Every year I would get a wonderful easter basket filled with all sorts of goodies and chocolates. Playing games, painting eggs and of course an easter egg hunt were the highlights of this glorious day. Easter was a day for celebration, although I never knew what the celebration was for.
“For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep” -1 Thessalonians 4:14
As an adult, the meaning of Easter became more clear. Easter is not about bunnies, chocolates and baskets. It is about the resurrection and life of Jesus Christ. But, could you imagine painting pictures of Jesus or baskets filled with crosses and blood? Me either. That’d be weird and a bit creepy. So, where did this tradition of bunnies come from? There are many speculations to the origin of the easter bunny, but none for certain. Although, we want our children to enjoy the festivities that come with Easter, we should also want to teach the truth about this day. If we only associate Easter with bunnies and baskets, there may be confusion in the significance of Jesus’s resurrection and purpose for this holiday.
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” -John 11:25
As we celebrate this day, let us remember the true meaning for celebration. Jesus died and rose 3 days later, so that we can be forgiven and be made right with The Lord. Jesus came to bare the sins of the world so that despite how many times we fall short, we are still given eternal life through the life and resurrection of Christ. Jesus resurrection reminds us of our hope, freedom and salvation in this world. The easter bunny is no competition for Jesus whom brings life, peace and joy in abundance. So, let us start giving credit to the one who gave us credit… and I’m not talking about the easter bunny!