Matthew 28:6
“He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.”

As Easter Sunday quickly approaches I want to ask, why do you celebrate Easter? For many of us the answer is different. Perhaps Easter is more or less a tradition in your family. No doubt many of us look forward to Easter egg hunts with the kids or decorating eggs and hiding baskets full of goodies for them. Maybe you go to church in your new Spring outfit and enjoy a large meal afterward with the family. While these among other things are fun traditions to enjoy, could it be that in the whirl of chocolate bunnies, marshmallow chicks, and pastel eggs we forget to celebrate Easter for what it truly is?

Easter should be one the most celebrated days of the year by Christians! It is the day that we rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Think about that for a minute. The resurrection of Jesus Christ. Do you truly believe that over 2,000 years ago a Jewish carpenter named Jesus, who was also fully God and had no sin (John 1:1-4, Matthew 1:23, 2 Corinthians 5:21) actually walked this earth? Do you fully grasp that He was beaten and died one of the most horrific deaths in human history (Matthew 26-28, Mark 14-16, Luke 22-24, John 17-21) and that He willingly laid down his life for you (John 10:17-18) because of your sins (Romans 3:23, 5:8)? Do you believe that after three days He defeated death and rose from the grave (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)?

This is why I celebrate Easter; I believe to my very core that these Scriptures are true! I actually can’t help but wipe tears from my eyes as I write this, thinking about what Jesus did for me. What Jesus did for you! Not only do I believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave, but I believe He is also coming back some day (John 14:3, Hebrews 9:28, Matthew 24:44)) and that all who confess and turn from their sin and place their trust in Him will be saved by grace and be given eternal life (Romans 10:9-10,13, Titus 3:4-7; Luke 24:46-47; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; Acts 4:12, Romans 6:23).

How about you? Why do you celebrate Easter? If you have a personal relationship with Jesus and are looking forward to celebrating Easter because of His resurrection I am so excited for you! If you are not sure what you actually believe about Easter, or even what you believe about Jesus for that matter, I challenge you to give it thought and get your questions answered. You see, the reason you celebrate Easter is vital because that reason demonstrates who Jesus is to you. If you have questions about Him feel free to contact me. I would love for you to get to know Him as the Forgiver of your sins and Leader of your life. May this Easter truly be a sign of new life for you!

May you celebrate Easter this year for what it truly is. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Let us celebrate this truth together!