Yea! Springtime has finally sprung. Springtime is also Easter time. To Christians, Christmas represents the birth of Christ, and Easter represents the resurrection of Christ. Easter is probably the oldest Christian celebration, except for the weekly Sunday celebration. In AD100, the Jewish Passover was probably changed into a Christian celebration of the risen Saviour. About AD 300, most churches devoted Good Friday to the crucifixion and Easter Sunday to the resurrection. Easter is the first Sunday after the first full moon. Since Easter occurs in the spring, it is associated with springing new life, renewals, and beginnings. The world celebrates Easter with symbols of “eggs” representing new life and “rabbits” representing “fertility” or “new beginnings.”
The English word “Easter” is from “Ester” the goddess of dawn or new life. Also in early days Easter springtime was a time to buy new clothes, shoes, and bonnets. But to Christians, Easter celebrates the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Nature also celebrates springtime resurrection as dead grass becomes green, trees bud, bees buzz, birds sing and showers bring flowers. Every time a flower blooms, or a tree buds, they preach resurrection. The death of winter is passed into the resurrection of Spring. Winter is past and spring has sprung.
The Gospel (good news) of Easter is that Jesus died, was buried, and arose. While other religious leaders remain in the grave, He is risen.“Moreover…I declare unto you the gospel … By which also ye are saved … For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:1-4).
All three events are included in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. On the cross, Jesus Christ became our (1) sacrifice. In the grave, He became our (2) substitute. In the resurrection, He became our living (3) Saviour! There are many religions, but only one Gospel. No one is saved without the Gospel – no one! Christianity is not a religion, but a relationship with Christ. Jesus still saves and changes lives. How do I know? Because at 23 years of age, He saved me and changed my life. He can also change you and give you new life (2 Cor. 5:17). The greatest testimony of Christianity is a changed and consistent life for Christ. As you view springtime springing, also remember that Jesus Christ sprang from the grave. He is risen – He is risen indeed!
Timely Thought: Jesus is God in a body – Scriptures reveal God in a book – The Holy Spirit is God in believers – TC
