TRAPPINGS…?  

…OR TRUTH?

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. (I Cor. 15:3-5)

A recent radio advertisement invited listeners to purchase their Easter ‘goodies’ to celebrate what Easter is about: Easter baskets, Easter eggs, lilies and sweets, a time to go to church with your family, and most of all—gathering all the family for a special, and delicious Easter dinner with all the trappings.

A simple review of Easter advertisements today—including some church ads—will not offer much insight into what this most significant of Christian holidays is actually about—the celebration of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. Whatever we make of it, the truth is, He is risen! Of course, I’m not so naïve as to think that merchants have any motivation whatsoever to make much of Christ’s resurrection as a way of selling products. After all, chocolate bunnies and Easter eggs are much more marketable.

But as Christians, what do we make of Easter?

Or for that matter, what do we make of any of our major national holidays that are undeniably Christian observances? While it is understandable that the world, led by the prince of this world, is eager to replace the truth with worldly trappings, we must be careful not to succumb to that trap ourselves. The story of Passover fully satisfied on Calvary’ cross, and sealed by Christ’s Resurrection must be remembered so that another generation may know it and tell it their children and grandchildren after them.

For Paul, this was of first importance, and so it should be for us who are followers of Christ. By all means, let’s gather our families together to celebrate and feast joyfully. There is nothing worthier of robust, joyful celebration than the Resurrection. As we celebrate, however, let’s be intentional about telling the story of God’s grace and love expressed in Christ Jesus who paid the ultimate price on that dark, awful Friday to pay our sin debt. It’s why we call it “Good Friday”.

But the end of the story isn’t the Crucifixion. The glory and wonder of Easter is the Resurrection. Our Savior not only died for our sins, but conquered both sin and death through His resurrection. He lives and reigns seated at the right hand of the Father waiting for that day in the story that has yet to be accomplished—His return to complete our redemption for eternity.

Grandparents, that’s a story worth telling… and telling… and telling. Don’t let Easter eggs and family trappings get in the way of the glorious truth of this Resurrection Day—He is risen. He is risen indeed! Tell it, sing of it, and rejoice in this marvelous truth so the next generations will know it and tell it to those yet to be born until Christ returns.

So, enjoy a happy Easter… for there is much to be happy about!