This is actually our first Easter here in America and honestly I am excited for Ceana because this is going to be her first "real" egg hunt experience. Unlike in the Philippines where we have a Holy Week celebration and old traditions were practiced, the past week has just been an ordinary one. The egg hunt experience is just a part of everything, just like an icing on the cake.
The Bible Study last Friday where we discussed and shared the Passion, Death and Agony of Christ rekindled my memory of some facts which are essential for my faith. Sometimes, I get too consumed with the ways of this world, that I always forget the real reason why Easter is celebrated in the first place.
Christ's Resurrection promises us new life same as what Easter's primary symbol does. The Easter bunny has become a prominent symbol of Christianity's most important holiday. The exact origins of this mythical mammal are unclear, but rabbits, known to be prolific procreators, are an ancient symbol of fertility and new life. Easter eggs are said to represent Jesus' emergence from the tomb and resurrection.
What does Easter mean to us today?
It is important to remember that Easter is not some memorial to a nice, good religious teacher and healer who lived 2,000 years ago. It’s a celebration of the fact that He is alive today. In one sense, Jesus Christ is still on trial. He’s on trial in the heart and mind of every person who has not yet acknowledged him as the Son of God, the Savior of the world.
Easter really boils down to only two issues. One, is Jesus who he says he is? Is he God? Or is he a lunatic or a liar? And two, if he is who he says he is, when are you going to start following what he says to do with your life?
Easter embarks a new beginning, a chance of hope, of giving our life to Christ and being his disciple. Giving your life to Christ is not an easy 1-2-3. First we need to admit that we are a sinner and we need forgiveness and second, we should also have to believe that Jesus Christ died for us on the cross and rose from the grave. Lastly, through prayer, we should confess that Jesus Christ is the only way to God and we should commit to live for Him for the rest of our life.
Before ending, let me share with you a prayer I have stumbled upon on, a very simple one which we can utter today.
Dear Lord Jesus,
I know that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. I believe that You died on the cross for my sins and rose from the grave to give me life. I know You are the only way to God so now I want to quit disobeying You and start living for You. Please forgive me, change my life and show me how to know You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Happy Easter everyone!
I hope you had a great day today we had an amazing Easter celebration because i agree its a celebration that jesus is here in the hearts of all who believe
I hope you had a lovely Easter! I love days like yesterday because it reminds me how truly blessed I am!
i hope your family enjoyed Easter! it is true what you blogged about. we need to remember the real reason of Easter and honor it too.
I hope she had a great Easter!!
We had a great Easter and actually sat down with all of the children in our extended family to explain to them about why we really celebrate Easter and that it is not just because the Easter Bunny comes; which is all that they see advertised. Great blog. Thank you.