Easter

Easter has come and gone and everyone is back to their regularly scheduled activities of life. Lost in a sea of miniature baskets, pastel colored dresses, plastic eggs filled with candy, and Snickers bars shaped like bunnies, the true meaning of Easter is slipping away.

Viewed by many as a celebration where students get a couple of days off from school and the day of indulgence for those who have been craving what they sacrificed on Ash Wednesday, Easter is becoming dangerously close to being considered about as religious as Columbus Day.

Is it because those who don’t consider themselves Christ-followers aren’t interested in learning the meaning of this sacred holiday? Or is it because Christians don’t care enough to share the Gospel with others after the service is over and the eggs are dyed?

In some eyes, being a Christian has been reduced to celebrating Easter and Christmas and forgetting all that come in between. And a “good” Christian is one whose attendance stretches beyond these holy days to at least 2-3 Sundays out of the month.

So what happens to all of the other days of the week? The “holy high” that comes after an incredible worship set and teaching from a talented pastor quickly fades as the reality of life sets in and the demand of your attention is magnified as you study for exams and prep for graduation parties.

In all the hustle and bustle we tend to miss one important factor: Jesus is the reality of life.

If you missed a sermon this Sunday, let’s recap: Jesus died for you. He died for your sins. Before you, your parents, your grandparents or your ancestors were ever born, Jesus made the selfless decision to sacrifice His life so that your stupidity would not get in the way of your salvation.

This is not a guilt trip. This is a wake-up call.  As humans we will all make decisions that lead to destruction, but the silver lining is that we have a God who cares so much about us that regardless of what happens in our life He has made sure there will be a happy ending. 

This ending will transcend all pain and disappointment, all suffering and misery.

Now, that is something worth celebrating.