Some
well-informed people would like
to tell you that Easter wasn’t
originally a Christian festival
at all; that the church hijacked
an ancient religious event - and
they’d be right. The word
‘easter’ comes from the name of
an Anglo-Saxon goddess,
‘Easter’. Ancient Britons used
to throw a party for her every
spring to celebrate the dawn of
a new year. Winter had released
its cruel grip and light and
warmth were on the increase. It
was the beginning of a season of
new life.
The beginning of a season of new
life. That’s the best meaning
for Easter that I’ve ever heard.
Ancient Christians probably
thought the festival was a great
time for them to celebrate as
well because it summed up what
they were all about. A chance at
beginning a new life. Christians
believe that Jesus bought us
this chance for a new life.
Almost 2,000 years ago Jesus was
crucified and died outside of
the city of Jerusalem for crimes
he never committed. Jesus (being
uniquely God and man) lived a
perfect life. In one day he
suffered for all the evil
thoughts, words and deeds
committed by his people. Yes,
they killed him, but the story
doesn’t end there. At Easter,
Christians celebrate that Jesus
not only died but rose from the
dead three days later to show
people the ‘price’ of
forgiveness had been paid.
At Easter, Christians rejoice
that death and pain haven’t had
the last say. That God, in
giving us the choice of new
life, has given us a new hope.
Jesus returned with new life for
anybody who would trust in his
sacrifice, and recommit their
life to their Creator. Easter is
definitely a season for
celebrating a chance at
beginning a new life.
White is the liturgical color
for the Easter season.
Text by Mark Hadley
