What Does The Bible Say About Easter
Easter is a religious and cultural holiday celebrated by billions of people around the world every year. For many, it has a special, spiritual significance. As a core holiday in the Christian faith, there’s no surprise that the Bible is a main source of religious reflection on the day. But what does the Bible actually have to say about Easter and its traditions?
At the heart of Easter lies the Biblical story of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection – an event which, according to the Bible, occurred at the time of Passover (John 19:14). On the third day after his death and burial, Jesus, according to the New Testament, rose from the dead – a reference to the resurrections of Lazarus, and other dead people in the Bible. It’s this event which forms the basis of Easter as a Christian celebration.
The Bible also makes explicit references to the time of Christ’s death as a period of mourning, sorrow, and despair (Matthew 27:45, Matthew 27:50). It’s these very themes which form the backdrop to Easter, as we remember the death of Jesus and observe a period of mourning, before we celebrate his resurrection in hope and joy.
It’s interesting to note that the Bible also speaks of Easter customs, such as the giving of Easter eggs and the feasting of Easter bunnies. Although these are certainly not core elements of the Christian story of Easter, they are, nonetheless, a part of the celebration and acknowledge some of the richness of the Christian tradition. Perhaps it is from the symbolism of food and fertility that such celebrations of Easter arise.
While it’s true that Easter is steeped in Christian tradition and rises from the Bible, there are some oddities which do raise the curiosity of the believer. For example, the celebration of Easter and its traditional date of March 27th (the day after Jesus’ death) is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. Historical records seem to suggest that the date may have been chosen as a way to contrast it to the celebration of the vernal equinox among pagan communities.
Another hotly contested topic is that of Lent. Lent is a period of preparation in the Christian faith leading up to Easter where various restrictions are imposed in the lead up to Easter. It’s based on a passage in the Bible (Matthew 6:16-18) which speaks of abstaining from sin and adhering to practices of devotion and self-denial, but there is no consensus on when and how long to observe Lent (and its practices).
Despite these inconsistencies, the celebration of Easter remains one of the most public expressions of faith in the Christian faith. It carries a profound spiritual significance and is perhaps the most important festival in the Christian calendar. Although the Bible does not give us a concrete explanation for each of the traditions associated with Easter, it does speak of a man, a cross, a death, a resurrection and the hope of salvation. That is, ultimately, what Easter is all about.
Easter’s History
Easter has a particularly interesting history. The celebration of Easter is one of the oldest holidays in the Christian calendar, tracing its roots all the way back to the first century AD. Easter has been celebrated since the time of the apostles and while the specifics of the holiday have changed over the centuries, its spiritual core has remained intact.
Towards the end of the fourth century, church leaders, such as Ephraim of Syria, proclaimed the celebration of Easter as an important part of the Christian faith. This marked the start of the modern-day celebration of Easter. Since then, Easter has been celebrated with both spiritual and secular traditions, such as the giving of eggs and chocolate.
Curiously, in the early days of the Christian faith, Easter was celebrated on different dates throughout the year. In the year 325, the Roman Emperor Constantine called for a fixed date for Easter to be established and this date was eventually settled as the first Sunday after the first full moon in spring (March 21st). This date has remained consistent ever since and is still observed today.
In recent years, Easter has seen a resurgence in popularity and is a time of joy and celebration for many. Its rich history and practical ties to the teachings of Jesus, provide a much needed reminder of the spiritual significance of the day.
Bible’s Momentous Significance To Easter
The Bible’s contribution to Easter is significant. The story of Jesus’ death and resurrection is at the core of the Easter message, therefore, it’s almost impossible to separate the two. The Bible is full of texts and teachings which provide understanding and comfort in the lead up to the celebration of Easter.
The books of Matthew, Mark and Luke all cover Jesus’ final days and the events leading up to and following his death. In John’s gospel, the most detailed depiction of Jesus’ death and resurrection is included, providing the basis for much of our understanding of the Easter story. The incredible power of the resurrection is one which is expressed powerfully in the Bible.
In the Old Testament, there are also references to the resurrection, specifically in Isaiah and the book of Daniel. Additionally, in Psalm 16 there is a reference to Jesus’ resurrection and the promise of eternal life. All of these passages serve to affirm the grandeur of Easter and the promise of a new life.
Easter’s Deepening Resonance
Easter’s resonance as a spiritual and important festival in the Christian faith has only grown deeper over the years. It has transcended just being a celebration of Jesus’ death and resurrection, but has morphed into an opportunity for believers to come together to celebrate, work and witness in unity.
This is seen most prominently in the Easter procession, a now global phenomenon which occurs in many cities around the world. It’s an occasion for believers to come together, to express their faith, and join in a collective prayer.
It’s also a time for believers to remember the importance, and drama, behind the death and resurrection of Jesus and an opportunity for them to renew and revive their commitment to their faith. In the lead up to Easter, believers return to the Bible and reflect on the passages which tell of the victory of Jesus over death and of the promise of salvation. This is an important part of the celebration of Easter.
The celebration of Easter also reflects an important moment in the Christian faith: the central belief in the power of Christ’s resurrection. This is echoed throughout the Bible in various passages which speak of the power of his resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-23). The message of Easter is a powerful one and reminds us that, in the end, love and hope will always prevail.
Symbols Of Easter
Easter is also associated with many symbols which represent the resurrection of Jesus and the theme of resurrection in general. The three most iconic symbols of Easter are the Easter egg, the Easter lamb and the Easter lily. The egg is a symbol of new life, the lamb is a symbol of Jesus’ sacrifice for us, and the lily is a symbol of purity and renewal.
Easter eggs have been associated with Easter since the time of Constantine. In the early days of Christian tradition, the egg was a symbol of Jesus’ resurrection and new life. Later, the dyeing and decorating of the eggs got associated with Easter and the giving of Easter eggs became a part of the tradition.
The Easter lamb has been a part of Easter tradition since ancient times as well. The lamb is a symbol of Jesus’ willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice for us. It also reminds us of the promise of a new life in His resurrection. The Easter lily is another important symbol which has been associated with Easter since the Victorian era. It’s a symbol of purity and reminds us of the resurrection of Jesus.
The Significance of Jesus’ Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus is a core part of the Christian faith and for many, Easter is the day to celebrate this miracle. It’s the ultimate symbol of hope and victory over death. It’s a reminder that love, faith and hope will always carry us through even the darkest of times.
The resurrection of Jesus is also significant because it marks the promise of eternity. Jesus’ death and resurrection marks the ultimate sacrifice we must make to receive eternal life. In the Bible, Jesus’ resurrection is mentioned in many ways, highlighting the important role it has in the Christian faith.
The resurrection of Jesus is also a reflection of the promise of salvation that is available to believers. That is, through the resurrection of Jesus, believers can find hope and assurance that they too can find salvation in the afterlife. It is this promise of salvation that gives believers comfort in the face of great adversity.
In death, and in life, Easter is a celebration of hope and love, of death and resurrection. It is a reminder that we should love others, despite the pain of our own suffering. It’s a celebration of Jesus and the ultimate promise of salvation that He offers us.
Cultural Aspects Of Easter
Easter has been a holiday of great importance for centuries and over the years, it has taken on additional cultural elements. While the main focus of Easter is still centered around the resurrection of Jesus, many people also celebrate it through different cultural customs.
In particular, Easter has seen a large rise in secular practices in recent years. Popular cultural activities such as egg decorating, egg hunts, baking hot cross buns and the giving of Easter baskets, have all become a part of the celebration of Easter in modern society.
These cultural additions to the Easter festivities, while not explicitly religious, have become part of the shared experience of Easter. It’s a time for families and friends to come together to celebrate the promise of new life, love and hope that Easter brings.
Easter is a time for us to remember our faith and reflect on the teachings of Jesus and the life he gave us. It is a reminder of the hope, love and hope that Easter brings and a chance for us to renew and devote ourselves to the Christian faith.
