Easter is one of the most important Christian holidays. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his crucifixion. Here is an in-depth look at why we celebrate Easter from a biblical perspective:
The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ are central to the Christian faith. According to the Bible, Jesus willingly sacrificed himself on the cross as payment for the sins of humanity (John 3:16-18, Romans 5:8, 1 Peter 2:24). This act served as atonement for the sin that has separated people from God since the fall of Adam and Eve (Romans 3:23-26, Romans 6:23). Jesus took upon himself the punishment that all people deserve for their sin.
After Jesus’ death, he was buried in a tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy follower of Christ (Matthew 27:57-60). On the third day after the crucifixion, some female followers of Christ returned to his tomb and found it empty. An angel appeared to them and declared that Jesus had risen from the dead as he foretold (Matthew 28:1-7, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-9). Over a period of 40 days after his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples and hundreds of other believers to confirm his return to life before ascending into heaven (Acts 1:3).
The resurrection validated the claims Jesus made about his divinity and proved that he achieved victory over sin and death (Romans 1:4, Romans 6:4-10, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, 1 Corinthians 15:12-22). As the apostle Paul states in 1 Corinthians 15:17, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” The resurrection was physical evidence that people’s sins could be forgiven through faith in Christ. It authenticated the truth that eternal life was possible through belief in Jesus.
The news of Jesus’ miraculous resurrection quickly spread among his early followers. It fueled the beginnings of the Christian faith as the resurrected Christ commissioned his disciples to take the gospel throughout the world (Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 24:46-49, Acts 1:8). The book of Acts records how Christianity rapidly spread across the Mediterranean region in the decades following Jesus’ death and resurrection.
The awe and joy that Jesus’ resurrection brought to his early followers is reflected in the writings of Paul and other New Testament authors. For example, in 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, Paul says: “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” The resurrection represented the defeat of death and the confirmation of the life offered through Christ.
The resurrection was the catalyst for the formation of the Christian church. It serves as the foundation for Christian doctrine concerning salvation, forgiveness from sins, and the afterlife (Romans 10:9, 1 Corinthians 15:12-28, 2 Timothy 2:8). That is why Easter is celebrated – it commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the central hope of the Christian faith.
The word “Easter” comes from “Eastre,” an ancient Germanic goddess associated with spring and fertility. Early European converts to Christianity used this name for the Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection, which occurred in the springtime. “Easter” was then adopted as the common name used in English-speaking countries.
In summary, Easter is celebrated to remember and rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This event verified his divine identity and proved his power over death as the Son of God. The resurrection established the way for people to find forgiveness and eternal life through faith in Jesus. It launched Christianity through the testimony of eyewitnesses who saw the risen Christ. Easter celebrations continue to glorify God for this pivotal event in human history that gives hope to all believers.
When is Easter Celebrated?
Easter Sunday is celebrated on the first Sunday after the ecclesiastical full moon that occurs on or just after the spring equinox, between March 22 and April 25. This method of determining the date means the holiday can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25 each year.
In 2023, Easter Sunday falls on April 9. In Western Christianity, Easter initiates the 50-day Easter season that runs until Pentecost Sunday.
Easter’s date connection to the lunar cycle reflects the holiday’s tie to Passover, which is based on the Hebrew lunisolar calendar. The Last Supper shared by Jesus and his disciples before his crucifixion is considered a Passover meal. Jesus’ resurrection occurred during this Jewish holiday.
History and Traditions
Most scholars agree that the Easter holiday began to be celebrated by the earliest Christians in the first century after Christ’s death and resurrection. However, elements from pagan springtime fertility celebrations also contributed to certain Easter customs.
The term “Easter” comes from the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre, whose springtime festival occurred in April. Other languages use words meaning Passover to refer to Easter based on its connection to the Jewish holiday.
In the early church, Christians observed the week leading up to Easter, known as Holy Week, as a time to remember and reflect on the events leading up to Christ’s death. Fasting and prayer were typical during this period. The traditions of Holy Week continue today with Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday services.
By the fourth century, celebrating the resurrection itself had become the central focus of the Easter holiday. Christians attended vigils on Holy Saturday and feast celebrations on Easter Sunday. Services often incorporated baptisms and Eucharistic celebrations.
Many early Easter customs also have roots in pagan traditions:
– Decorating eggs: Decorated eggs were a common gift in many ancient cultures at spring festivals as a symbol of fertility and new life. Christians embraced eggs as part of Easter traditions to represent new life through Christ.
– Easter Bunny: This character originated with German Lutherans who believed the “Easter hare” judged children’s behavior and rewarded good kids with colored eggs.
– Easter Baskets: Baskets containing eggs and other treats stem from the Lutheran tradition of the Easter hare bringing gifts to kids.
– Easter Lilies: White lilies signify purity and hope for resurrection. They adorn churches and homes at Easter.
– Easter Parades and Bonnets: Displaying new spring outfits and hats was part of Easter’s connection to celebrating rebirth and renewal.
– Easter Sunrise Services: Outdoor gatherings at dawn on Easter morning dramatize waiting for resurrection morning.
– Easter Candles and Fire: Lit paschal candles represent the light of Christ. Easter fires represent illumination driving out darkness.
These traditions have continued to shape Easter celebrations throughout Christian history, along with church services, family meals, and other resurrection-themed activities. The holiday remains an important fixture of the Christian liturgical calendar.
Theological Meaning of Easter
For Christians, Easter holds enormous theological significance. The holiday commemorates the core of Christian doctrine – that Jesus Christ was crucified and rose from the dead to redeem humanity.
Here are some of the key theological implications of Easter supported by scripture:
– Victory over sin and death – Christ’s resurrection demonstrated his power over mortality and brokenness (1 Corinthians 15:54-57, Hebrews 2:14-15).
– Salvation through Christ – Easter validates salvation and eternal life offered through faith in Christ (Romans 4:25, Romans 10:9, 1 Corinthians 15:17).
– Forgiveness of sins – Christ’s death and resurrection provides cleansing from sin and reconciliation with God (1 Corinthians 15:3, Colossians 1:13-14, Hebrews 9:11-15).
– Defeat of evil forces – The resurrection proves Christ’s ultimate authority over rulers, authorities, and evil powers (Colossians 2:15, 1 Peter 3:22).
– New covenant inaugurated – Easter ushers in the new covenant established in Christ’s blood for the redemption of humanity (Luke 22:20, 1 Corinthians 11:25).
– Christ’s divinity affirmed – The resurrection confirms Christ’s identity as the incarnate Son of God (Romans 1:4, Philippians 2:6-11).
– Our resurrection guaranteed – Believers can look forward to resurrection and eternal life with Christ (1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 2 Corinthians 4:14).
– Launch of global ministry – Easter sets the stage for spreading the gospel message to all nations (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8).
– Continued presence through the Spirit – The risen Christ sent his Spirit to empower and lead the church (John 14:16-18, Acts 2:1-4).
The theological meaning of Easter shows why it is the highest holy day on the Christian calendar. Easter reveals Christ’s glory and gives believers hope and purpose today as they trust in him.
Modern Easter Celebrations
Easter remains one of the most important and well-attended Sundays in churches across the world. Congregations hold special worship services to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, often incorporating extras like choirs, brass bands, and choral singing. Readings focus on the resurrection accounts in the gospels and their meaning for salvation. Many churches hold sunrise services very early Easter morning to recreate waiting for the resurrection.
In many countries, Easter observances begin as early as Palm Sunday at the start of Holy Week. Maundy Thursday services commemorate the Last Supper Christ had with his disciples in the Upper Room. Good Friday solemnly remembers Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross. Holy Saturday services transition from mourning Christ’s death to joy in the resurrection.
Easter Sunday church services burst with praise through hymns, sermons, and jubilant decorations. Lilies adorn the altar and cross to represent purity, hope, and life. Some churches use this time to baptize new Christian converts.
For families, Easter Sunday involves shared meals, family gatherings, Easter egg hunts, and vacation getaways. Children wake up to baskets filled with candy, chocolate bunnies, jellybeans, and other goodies left by the Easter Bunny. Decorating eggs is a beloved tradition, using dyes, stickers, and paint to customize them. Egg hunts, prize-filled baskets, and visits from the Easter Bunny make the day magical for kids.
Around the world, traditions vary across cultures:
– United States – Church services, family meals, Easter egg hunts, and parades are common. The White House hosts a massive Easter egg roll event on its South Lawn for children.
– Canada – In addition to church services and family meals, children hunt for chocolate eggs and receive gifts from the Easter Bunny. Parades and performances reenacting the Easter story take place.
– Mexico – Semana Santa (“Holy Week”) processions parade floats, flowers, and statues of Jesus and Mary down streets. Church services focus on the Passion story.
– Italy – The Pope leads Stations of the Cross processions in Rome. Chocolate eggs and dove-shaped cakes called colombas are popular treats.
– Poland – Easter baskets containing eggs, sausages, cakes, and butter lambs are taken to churches to be blessed on Holy Saturday. Easter breakfast follows the midnight resurrection mass.
– Russia – Centered on Easter liturgies, traditions include pussy willow branches, candlelight vigils, and breaking red eggs against one another. Babushkas often make kulich sweet bread and cheese paskha.
– Greece – Following solemn Holy Week services, Easter Sunday involves feasting on roasted lamb soup, tsoureki braided loaf, and cheese pies. Hard-boiled eggs are dyed red to symbolize Christ’s blood.
– Egypt – Following 40 days of fasting from animal products, Easter meals include festive dishes like fatta (poached rice and bread soaked in sauce). Salted fish, eggs, and bastersweets are consumed. Church services run late into the night.
Across the diversity of global Easter observances, celebrating Christ’s resurrection remains the unifying highlight. Public festivities, private family meals, beloved secular traditions, and reverent worship all reflect Easter’s profound significance for Christianity.
Conclusion
Easter’s celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection uniquely defines the Christian faith. The holiday marks the pivotal event that gives believers hope in conquering sin and finding eternal life through Jesus. Easter launches Christianity through the risen Christ’s commission to spread the gospel across the nations. The holiday holds deep theological meaning for salvation through Christ’s atonement. While containing some secular and pagan traditions, Easter remains fundamentally rooted in Christian scripture and doctrine. The holiday is commemorated through church services, family meals, public celebrations, and private reflections on Christ’s sacrifice and God’s redemption. For more than two thousand years, Easter has held primary importance as the zenith of the Christian calendar.