“Happy Easter” is a greeting for everyone. Today we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a central tenet of the Christian faith. As described in the New Testament, Jesus left his tomb and was victorious over death and sin, offering hope of salvation and eternal life.
Easter is the hardest of the holy days to comprehend because it demands ultimate faith.
“There is no other way to approach the crucifixion of Jesus and its aftermath in a celebratory mood, unless you accept the whole package: God, sacrifice, death, resurrection, and redemption,” writes J.T. Young, in his essay about the “most demanding holiday.”
Of Christianity’s two most-observed holy days, Christmas is the celebrated by society in general, as it is easier to understand, at least in some ways, Young writes. There is a birth to celebrate, and then there is the grand secularization of Christmas, which has overtaken much of the original meaning. All of this makes it more approachable.
But then the baby Jesus grew up to be a man who was vilified, tortured, and who died an agonizing and painful death.
For Easter, the focal point is the suffering and martyrdom of Jesus.
“Society tries to secularize it as best it can — eggs, bunnies, chicks, all elements of new birth and the spring season in which it occurs. But those elements are really the opposite of what is outwardly taking place: suffering, public execution, shame, ridicule. Death,” Young writes. And on the third day, the conquering of death. That takes faith, and a lot of it. Many Christians puzzle over how that can be. How did Jesus defy Biology 101?
“For those who struggle with making the ascent to Easter’s full demands, they are not alone. The disciples of Jesus could not — would not — grasp the manifest aspects of Easter. And they refused to accept the pronouncements of Jesus about it — to the point that Jesus rebuked Peter harshly, “Get behind me, Satan! (Mark 8:33) When it finally occurred, just as Jesus had foretold, only John would approach — and then out of familial duty, not discipleship. Nor did John go to celebrate; he went to comfort Mary, the mother of Jesus and his relative,” Young writes.
Read Young’s insightful essay at RealClearReligion, at this link.
And have a Happy Easter!
YEAH BABY thank you ma’am
Vicarious redemption through human sacrifice. Scapegoating, and it’s an immoral doctrine. That you celebrate the bizarre beliefs of this death cult is most unfortunate.
Wonderful read Suzanne, Happy Easter and God Bless
Christ is Risen, Truly he has Risen!☦️🙏
A day for Reflection. Miracles DO happen!
Great tribute, Suzanne. Thank you.
Thank you, Suzanne.
Beautiful story – Beautifully written
Thank you Suzanne for a well needed article. Praise to God and God bless America!!
He is the way. The truth. The life. Thank you Jesus.
The word “easter” is only mentioned once in the KJV Bible(Acts 12:4). Scholars believe it was because during the translation “Pascha” was translated “Easter” to separate the Christian faith from the Jewish Passover.
Regarding the painting of eggs being attributed to “The Miracale of Mary Magadaline”, there is not one reference or mention of it in the Bible.
Christmas is another point of debate among scholars, as no Shepard would have their flock of sheep wandering around the countryside in the winter. Most scholars believe Jesus was born in either August or September.
Then of course there is the whole Christmas tree and wrapping of gifts tracing back to pagan traditions.
Celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ as you will, but the Bible, Jehovah, and Jesus are clear on how we are supposed to act.
I want to be in the Heaven of JESUS Other faiths and religion’s may have their heavens, but they won’t have JESUS there. Atheists believe in no heaven, so they can go to their non heaven where there’s nothing for Eternity—-not even light. Thank you Suzanne for remembering Real Easter Sunday and JESUS who made it happen. To be FOREVER in the Presence of JESUS, is only entered by those who call HIS name and LOVE HIM.
He is Risen!
Christ is risen.
Thank you John Galt.
A Happy Easter to ALL. Even Democrats and Trump haters.🙏🌄
A very nice Easter message for the faithful, in stark contrast to the scurrilous rant issued by our President earlier today.
“For Easter, the focal point is the suffering and martyrdom of Jesus.” That was Good Friday, part of the Easter season. Yes, Jesus’ death paid for our sin – “the Just for the unjust” (1Pe.3:18, Ro.5:8). The focal point of Easter Sunday is Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead, proving that sin had been paid for – “for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Ro.6:23) “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’, and believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead from the dead, you will be saved.” (Ro.10:9)
Thank you for this article Suzanne.
Thought: while churches fill up with folks on Easter, it is most appropriate to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection every single day.