What’s more transforming or hopeful than Easter Sunday, the celebration of the risen Christ? This is what Easter is all about.
Jesus lives!
He is risen indeed! And his resurrection from the dead is a new beginning for all. Believers rejoice in the forgiveness of sins. Tell the children. Tell all men and women. Easter is for everyone! Believe in the risen Christ and live eternally with him.
When my children were kids, they enjoyed all the trimmings of Easter. They hugged plush Easter bunnies. And nibbled treats from Easter baskets and the lot. They thought Peter Cottontail hopped to their house the night before Easter and brought the goodies they got.
And at church, Easter Sunday always includes an Easter drama. My kids would take part in the yearly Easter dramas. Or they recited Easter speeches. What great ways for children to learn about Christ!
But Easter wasn’t Easter without a new suit or a new Easter dress.
That Sunday, everything new had Easter in front of it. Easter bow tie and shoes. Easter bows and stockings. In their Sunday best, the kids wore the newness of Easter and colors of spring from head to toe.
She was the daughter of Easter, parading in beauty like the Easter lily. With lacey, white socks and white patent leather shoes. Her hair was a garden of pastels: white, pink, and blue bows. And when she turned her head from left to right, they became a swirling carousel. She was an Easter-nista in Easter fashions. And my son, he was so handsome in his Easter attire.
I remember they would stand in front of the Church congregation, choking the mike, squeezing the stuffing out of it. The room was full of eyes and anticipation. And when fear stole their voice. It was Mom to the rescue. I either knew their part or had the printed words. All they needed was one cue.
Like Legos, the words clicked, and the memorized verses rolled off their tongues. Wow! What applause they received! And what relief they felt as they happily left the stage.
After the drama and speeches, there were preaching, lots of amens, and singing. In the early years, the kids slept through most of it. One slept on my shoulder and one on my knees. But they were in high gear for the Easter egg hunt after service.
The Easter egg hunt, Easter baskets filled with toys and candies, and new Easter clothes are okay for kids. They will learn and grow in the true meaning of Easter.
What about the adults?
As adults, we know that Easter is about Jesus Christ, the living savior. He is the reason for the Easter season. And no clothing, toy, candy or food can represent his love for humanity.
White Easter lilies are a sign of purity and goodness. But neither lilies nor new clothes can purify us. Nothing on earth can purify man but the blood of Jesus.
The signs of spring and new life as represented by bunnies are okay too. But as adult Christians, we know a rebirth and new life can only be found in Jesus.
Christian adults have a responsibility to teach their children about the real meaning of Easter.
I taught my kids the meaning of Easter and the significance of Easter Sunday. Now they’re bringing their kids up in the same Easter traditions: Easter eggs, Easter baskets, and new Easter clothes. Yes, they also take part in the Easter drama or recite Easter speeches. They are learning and growing in Christ.
April 21, 2019, is Easter Sunday. Happy Easter and tell the story of the risen Christ and his love for the world.