As a child growing up I was taught to believe that Easter Sunday was the day that Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead and went up to heaven to sit on the right hand of God the Father. We dressed in fine, new clothes that we had never worn previously to Sunday school and attended services that were packed with members who only came on Easter Sunday and maybe for Christmas services.
I was much older before I learned that the name “Easter" was borrowed from a pagan holiday celebrated by King Herod and his people, simply because it fell close around the time of Jesus’ death and resurrection. I have read many articles over the years condemning the practice of celebrating Easter---bunnies, Easter lilies, brightly colored Easter eggs and baskets of candy for the very young children, but I truly don’t believe anyone is celebrating the rein of a Pagan Goddess of whom most people have never heard.
I have always considered myself to be a Christian---I believe that Christ lived and died for all sinners and I believe he was resurrected. I agree with the argument that every Sunday should be considered a day of resurrection and not just Easter Sunday. But I also like to believe that Easter Sunday is extra special because it is the equivalent of a second birthday for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and should be celebrated as such. A new beginning, if you will, for us all---proof that as true Christians and true believers in Christ---that we believe that he did arise from the dead and he will come again; that we will all someday rise up to live again with God in heaven.
As a very young child I learned to believe in Christ’s resurrection through my family’s celebration of Easter. And of course, being a young child, I enjoyed the hiding of Easter eggs and soft furry bunny rabbits---always stuffed toys. My parents were smart enough not to sacrifice a real live animal, even though any harm to a real bunny would have been unintentional---children tend to love too hard.
So, I ask you, what harm could there be in teaching young children about Christ in a manner that is more fun than frightening---in terms they are more likely to understand.
Children understand celebration. Let them learn to celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of the Son of God and man. Don’t take away Easter Sunday; don’t take away our celebration of New Beginnings.
End
Sandra E. Graham, author Amos Jakey. Published by American Book Publishing
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