Easter’s early this year
Easter’s early this year—March 31. For those who wonder why the Easter holiday jumps around so much every year, it has something to do with the lunar side of the Jewish calendar, and Passover. Easter falls on the first Sunday after the Paschal moon, which is the first full moon that falls on or after March 21.
If we want to be picky about it, Resurrection Sunday (more popularly known as Easter) was April 6, 33 A.D. There are those who disagree that this is the exact date. If you want to join the argument, you can “Google” it for further information, but for our purposes, we will go with April 6, 33 A.D., and leave it there.
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The reason I mention this is, I personally think it would be nice to have a date nailed down to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Sure, we can keep “Easter” as a holiday season for those who want to fool with chocolate bunnies, egg hunts, new clothes and all the other things associated with the season; but can we keep this superfluous stuff away from our observance of Resurrection Sunday?
Probably not. It’s estimated that a record $24-billion will be spent on Easter this year. As some cynic observed decades ago, “There’s money in the ‘Jesus trade’,” and even Christians aren’t immune to wanting it. Lots of it, in fact. But if we can do away with the superficial geegaws and knickknacks, there are better gifts for Resurrection Sunday that God Himself gives:
First and foremost, there is the restored relationship with God our Father through the Sacrificial gift of Jesus His Son. This is where it begins. Then there is the gift of the Holy Spirit, who guides us in our growth as a child of God. There is the Bible, a necessary and invaluable resource for the Christian life—you get the idea. These are precious gifts, but keep in mind, you get a cross, too! Christ’s yoke is lighter, but there’s no such thing as easy Christianity.
For those readers who are uncertain what I’m talking about, can I offer a challenge for this Easter season? If you do not have one, get a Bible, and read about Jesus’ last week prior to His crucifixion. Start with the “Triumphal Entry” in the Gospels (Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19 and John 12), and simply read as much at a time as you’re comfortable with until you reach the end of each Gospel.
We will take this up again next week.
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