I just started reading this little book called, “God Gave Us Easter” to my children. It’s so sweet and it communicates the gospel in a way that kids can really grasp. Besides the fact that the illustrations are super cute! I really love this book!
Perspective shift
But the opening page I found so interesting. The Papa Bear tells his cub that Easter is actually better than Christmas. Obviously, the cub is incredulous: “Better than Christmas? Why?”
I’ll be honest – I had the same knee jerk reaction and I’m old! I should definitely be embracing this idea, since I’ve been a Believer for over 20 years now! But I guess I hadn’t thought that deeply about it. It’s funny how when we don’t question family traditions and expectations from our past, we all have a tendency of repeating many of the same practices. We’re just not thinking about it and we go on auto-pilot. Which is not always bad, but it definitely isn’t always good.
Past Easters
Easter had no significance for me growing up. Zero. I remember one Easter getting up ridiculously early in the morning and getting dressed up like an Easter bunny with my brother to wake up my sleeping parents. We thought we were being incredibly cute and fun. Let’s just say, they were not amused. To be fair, it really was very early. And considering how Easter was not really celebrated in our family, I’m sure my parents thought the bunny ears could have waited a couple more hours for a more decent wake up call.
So that is my personal background on Easter. Christmas was always more significant. I mean, hello presents! And as a child, that was much more important.
Intentionally celebrate
I’ve realized that as an adult, I need to be more intentional as we celebrate the incredible gift we have in Easter. Easter really is the most important holiday of the year. We should be anticipating its coming and celebrating with fervor its arrival. Praise God, we are saved because of what happened 2,000 years ago on that hill outside of Jerusalem. We get to spend eternity with our loving God because of His sacrificial payment for our rebellion and sin.
Christmas is beautiful because we are reminded of Jesus’ humanity. He came down from heaven in the form of an innocent, defenseless baby. That is incredible. But Easter points us to our Holy God Who loved us so sacrificially despite our sin. I love this quote by Jack Miller: “Cheer up! You’re a worse sinner than you ever dared imagine, and you’re more loved than you ever dared hope.”
Easter gives us all hope
We can have hope this coming Easter. No matter our circumstances, we can have peace in our hearts that God has made a way for us. A way for us to have a relationship with a good and holy God that we do not deserve. And that is good news. In fact, it’s the best news ever. Praise God, we can stand on that truth. When we accept Him as not only Savior but LORD, we can know we are His children. I pray those who claim Him as LORD may be found loving and serving Him as the Word of God dictates, all to His glory and our good.
Happy Easter everyone! Praise God, He is risen.
