Christmas is a big time of celebration for Christians. And why not? The gift of Jesus is the greatest gift humankind has ever received.
But, I always thought Easter was somewhat overlooked. Of course, it does get some attention. The church service on Easter is usually well-attended and bigger than usual, and we all love the festivity of the Easter egg hunts and Easter baskets. Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are getting more attention these days from more Christians and Christian denominations.
Easter should be a really big deal. This is when we celebrate The Event, The Big Event, the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. As the Bible says:
"If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith." -I Corinthians 15:13-14
But, Jesus was raised from the dead - it's a real, historical fact which has been documented carefully in the Bible and witnessed by many people. Jesus has reconciled God and humankind, despite humankind's choice of sin and rejection of God.
" 'Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." -I Corinthians 15:55-57
Jesus has paid the price, and became the first to be raised from the dead. And so we will be raised from the dead also, to join God and the other believers in eternal happiness in Heaven.
Easter is a really big deal!
