What does Easter mean to you?
Easter means different things to different people. Some believe it’s about the Easter bunny and chocolate eggs; others believe it’s a great time to go on a holiday over a 4-day long weekend.
For me, the meaning of Easter is reflecting and celebrating a much sacred event in my Christian faith.
It’s a time of reflecting on why Jesus died on the cross on Good Friday and celebrating His resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Good Friday
On Good Friday, I take the time to reflect on how Jesus willingly suffered and gave His life as a sacrifice for my sins. The day marks the convergence of great suffering and God’s forgiveness; a day to remember the power of God’s love and the promise of eternal life. Jesus dying on the cross was not the end, but the beginning of something new.
“He himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24.
Holy Saturday
The day between the crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus descended into the underworld where He proclaimed salvation to the souls held captive there since the beginning of time. He made an announcement to the spirits that were imprisoned there, declaring His triumphant victory over death and Satan.
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. After being made alive, He went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits – to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.” 1 Peter 3:18-20.
Easter Sunday
The resurrection of Jesus three days after His death on the cross is a day marked with joy and celebration! He conquered death and redeemed us all from sin; He has risen and proclaimed victory for our salvation. God’s fulfilment for redemption makes Easter Sunday a joyous occasion and serves as a reminder of the transformative power of faith and His enduring message of hope.
“The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here, He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay.” Matthew 28:5-6.
Reflections
Next time Easter comes around, would you consider what the true meaning of it really is? Going away on holidays or eating loads of hot cross buns and chocolate eggs can be a lot of fun, but the pure joy that comes from understanding the true meaning of Easter; that Jesus’ died on the cross for you, brings immense peace and jubilation.
