“What does Easter mean?” Ask individuals on the street, and the answers will probably surprise you; however, they will represent the thought-process of many in the world today. One will hear: a long weekend, Easter bunny, Easter egg hunts, family get-to-gathers, spring break, new Easter outfits and thank God, one will occasionally say that it represents the day that Jesus arose from the dead. The Easter holiday may represent all of these but we must not forget the true meaning of Easter. This represents the day when the “Son” arose that morning and that event gave us hope for life, even after death.
The darkest time in history was just three days prior to this great event. That was the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, darkness covered the earth, and all hope for new life was gone. Looking at the natural life, all would be lost if the sun failed to shine. Nothing could exist in its natural state; the sun brings new life. In the spiritual sense, real life is found only in the Son.
You may be going through situations where there are no visible signs that the sun is ever going to shine again. Just look at the Resurrection and be reminded that the darkest hour was just a short time before the “Son”
arose. I remember when our children were very young, it seemed as though they would always be sick during the darkest time of the night. There was also a sense of hope because we believed that everything would be okay at sunrise.
arose. I remember when our children were very young, it seemed as though they would always be sick during the darkest time of the night. There was also a sense of hope because we believed that everything would be okay at sunrise.
So remember, because of Jesus’ resurrection, He brought hope to each of us that even though darkness may prevail in our life, the “Son” will rise again. The Scripture tells us to, “Sing to the LORD, all you godly ones! Praise his holy name. His anger lasts for a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the morning.[1]
What does Easter mean to you? Only you can answer this question. Some have answered the question as follows: “Easter is a day to fan the ashes of dead hope, a day to banish doubts and seek the slopes where the sun is rising, to revel in the faith which transports us out of ourselves and the dead past into the vast and inviting unknown.”[2] “The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances.”[3]
You may feel that you are living the life of “Good Friday,” but keep looking forward to your Easter! “Earth's saddest day and gladdest day were just three days apart!”[4]
One day the grave could conceal Him no longer
One day the stone rolled away from the door
Then He arose, over death He had conquered
Now He’s ascended, my Lord evermore
Death could not hold Him, the grave could not keep Him
From rising again
One day the stone rolled away from the door
Then He arose, over death He had conquered
Now He’s ascended, my Lord evermore
Death could not hold Him, the grave could not keep Him
From rising again
Chorus
Living, He loved me
Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
Living, He loved me
Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day[5]
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day[5]
1 Cor “How we thank God, who gives us victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ our Lord!” NLT
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