Beyond the Bunny:
Honouring the True Significance of Easter
Easter is one of the most beautiful times of year for me. Spring, flowers, ladybugs, and bunnies? New life! Yes, growing up, I celebrated Easter the traditional way most Americans do—with baskets, brightly coloured eggs, plus bunnies and baby chicks from the Farmer's Co-op. But as I've grown deeper in my faith, I've started to approach this sacred season differently.
Today, I'm celebrating the entire Easter season, from Lent to Resurrection Sunday. This festivity isn't rooted in religious tags like Catholicism or Protestantism. It's just me and Jesus. Everything I do is concentrated on pointing back to Him.
Easter: A Celebration of the Resurrection
At its core, Easter, to me, is about one thing and one thing only: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. His victory over death is the foundation of my faith; without it, everything else would crumble. The Bible describes this moment with such power:
"And the angel said to the women,
"Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking
for Jesus who has been crucified.
He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said.
Come, see the place where He was lying."
Matthew 28:5-6 (NASB)
The resurrection of Jesus wasn't just another event in history. It still shapes my life as a believer today, offering forgiveness, hope, and the promise of forever.
Reflecting on Key Truths of Easter
Soooo I am going to throw down what the resurrection means to me personally and why I find it so life-changing! Here goes:
Victory Over Sin and Death
Yes, please! When Jesus triumphed over the grave, He broke the power of sin and death for all of us.
"Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death, is your sting?"
So, thanks to Jesus, I DO NOT have to fear death. At ALL! His victory is MY victory. His victory is YOUR victory! And through Him, nothing can separate us from the love and never die."
1 Corinthians 15:55 (NASB)
I'll take that! Billy Graham reflected that saying, "The cross is not a mere event in history, it is a way of life." Agreed? I thought so.
New Life in Christ
Watchman Nee (The Normal Christian Life) once said, "Our old history ends with the cross; our new history begins in the resurrection." Jesus' defeat of death calls us into something beautiful and fresh. Just as He rose from the grave, He asked us to RISE into a new life in Him, too!
"Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death,
so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory
of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life."
Romans 6:4, NASB
Am I good at this?
Wow, no.
But HE is.
The Hope of Eternity
Good ol' Easter is a PROMISE that there's so much more waiting for us beyond this life. Because of Jesus, I know I WILL spend eternity with Him.
"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life;
the one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies,
and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.
Do you believe this?"
John 11:25-26 (NASB)
Well, do you? *wink*
This claim is where our hope rests—not in the momentary mitigations of this world, but in the eternal evidence that I am His, and He is mine. And He is YOURS.
Like, forever.
Reflecting on History
You probably know that the origins of the word "Easter" have been debated. While some believe it comes from the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre, others highlight its roots in the Hebrew word "Pesach" (Passover).
Guess what? It's both. And that's okay. The question is, which one are you going to observe?
I obviously love the connection to Passover and its deep spiritual significance in my life. Just as the blood of the Passover lamb saved the Israelites, the blood of the Lamb of GOD saves us today. That's a pretty powerful reminder as we reflect on God's plan of salvation!
Living in Resurrection Power
For me, Easter isn't just another day of the year. I want to live every day in the power of the resurrection. Each morning, I am reminded of Philippians 3:10 (NASB):
"...that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death."
This verse challenges me to truthfully know Jesus—not just the facts about His resurrection but the life-transforming power it has for my day-to-day life. It also gives me profound gratitude and a call to LIVE that victorious life.
A Season with Purpose
Whenever I see the fun of my American cultural Easter traditions or hear giggles from kids running after eggs, I smile, knowing how far I have truly come in my celebration. I don't celebrate Easter as a day filled with cute customs anymore (though I love them & often share them!); I celebrate the entire season purposefully. Whether it's quiet moments meditating on the scriptures, walking through Lent and giving up something that can often hold me captive, or singing hymns of resurrection with my whole heart, this time of year is sacred. Because everything, absolutely everything, points back to Jesus.
If you're like me and want to lean more into the more profound significance of this season, please take time to reflect on His word. Here are a few scriptures worth pondering and journaling:
- Romans 5:8: Gratitude for His unmatched love
- 1 Corinthians 15: Victory over sin and the assurance of life eternal
- John 3:16: The ultimate sacrifice and gift of salvation
This Easter season, may your moments be filled with awe, worship, and a deeper connection with our risen Saviour.
