It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

I was speaking to someone recently and mentioned how much I love the Easter holiday season. Christmas is great, with our focus on the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. But for me, Easter really sums up what it’s all about. Jesus came, he loved, and he conquered all with his death and resurrection.

Much like Christmas, Easter has suffered through American commercialism. Chocolate bunnies, hard-boiled dyed eggs, and baskets filled with colorful plastic grass have nothing to do with Jesus Christ. I am told that these are simply remnants of pagan springtime observances. And just like gift-giving and tree-decorating during Christmas, I am also guilty of taking part in some of the worldly Easter rituals, such as raiding the mall for the perfect Easter outfit and overdosing on those soft, chewy, marshmallow chicks. I have to admit, the secular version of Easter is pastel-colored and pretty sweet.

But the religious observance of Easter isn’t quite so intuitive to non-Christians or beginning Christians. Years ago, when I asked my Sunday School class to describe the holiday, the answers ranged from, “It’s when Jesus died for us,” to “When they beat up Jesus and hung Him from the cross.” Death, blood, and suffering don’t sound like much to celebrate. Over the years, I’ve tried to help children understand that what makes Easter so great is that in spite of it all—HE ROSE. Easter isn’t just about Jesus’ death; it’s about Him taking on our sin and overcoming death to bring us everlasting life. (On that note, while I absolutely loved Mel Gibson’s movie, The Passion of the Christ, I felt a bit shortchanged that after such a great build up to the crucifixion, there was so little screen time given to the resurrection. Oh, Hollywood.)

Spiritually, I think what I love most about Easter is the impact it has on us individually. While Christmas is all about “peace on earth and goodwill towards men,” Easter is a more introspective holiday. It’s about recognizing that all that Jesus went through was for you. He loved you so much that He sacrificed all for you. He paid the price for your sin so that you wouldn’t have to. And when He rose, He overcame death with all power in His hands. All you have to do is accept Him as your Lord and Savior and He will freely give you an inheritance in the Kingdom.

Christmas is about the birth of Christ and the hope that baby Jesus brought to the world. Easter is the fulfillment of the promise that Jesus brings to our daily lives. When I think about that, I am reminded of how great this holiday season truly is.