Easter will be celebrated this year on April 9th.  It is a global Christian holiday that is celebrated yearly to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The date for Easter is not set as some holidays are because it coincides with the vernal equinox and is therefore the first Sunday after the first full moon in Spring. This is in keeping with the time of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

For Christians, it is a day accompanied by special church services, including prayer vigils, and family meals. It is required religious attendance for some. For others, it is a festive religious occasion. Being only one of two Christian holidays where attendance is peak at church services around the world.

Because of the reported pagan origins of its name, some prefer to use alternative labels such as Resurrection Sunday.

Where Did Easter Get Its Name?

The origin of its name has long been attributed to pagans. However, there appears to be only one reference in writing to the pagan fertility goddess eostre celebrated at the beginning of spring for which the holiday is reportedly named afterhttps://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2017-04-12/why-easter-is-called-easter-and-other-little-known-facts-about-the-holiday.

Recently, and gaining momentum, is the widespread understanding that the name comes from an amalgamation of languages https://www.britannica.com/topic/Easter-holiday.   

But God is a God of times and seasons. He marks His time table by a different standard and mentions frequently in His own word New Moons. The time of Jesus death – at Passover – could not be changed by any human. It was set according to God’s timing. Therefore, some aspects and symbols, even if celebrated by Pagans prior to the modern Christian era, such as Spring, regeneration and the full moon will always inextricably be tied to the season.  Further, the focus should remain on the one who is the head of the Christian Church. We must ask ourselves, should the name stumble us from the meaning of the holiday?

While Easter may not have been a recorded celebration until hundreds of years after his death, Christ instituted something long before which He requested his followers continue to do in remembrance of Him.

This Do In Remembrance of Me

While Jesus and his disciples were celebrating the Passover meal, Christ instituted a way for his coming sacrificial death to be remembered. Paul emphasizes that this was also told to him directly by the Lord at 1 Corinthians 11:24https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+11%3A24-26&version=NIV. Many do partake of the bread and wine as Jesus instructed during the Easter season. Some partake only during this season. Others do it more often. It helps us recall that Christ was a willing sacrifice for our sins and through him, we have an opportunity for salvation. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2010%3A35&version=NKJV

It is important to know that only Jesus’ death could fulfill the sacrifice necessary to redeem mankind from the curse of Adam’s sin https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%205%3A12&version=NIV. His resurrection also assures that there will be a resurrection for all https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%205%3A28-29&version=NIV. Something many in his time believed and taught was a fallacy.

While there are many activities that surround the Easter Season: Bright Spring clothes, new Spring dresses and suits, Easter egg hunts, chocolate covered candies, coloring of eggs and Easter bunnies. It is vitally important to remember that the true reason for the season is the fulfillment of Jesus rising from the dead on the third day (Sunday) just as he said he would through the power of God.

4 Facts about Jesus Resurrection:

(1) Mary Magdalene was the first to see the resurrected Christ Jesus https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A15-17&version=NIV.

(2) Jesus remained for 40 days with his disciples, after his resurrection, before ascending to heaven. He further explained the scriptures to them, confirmed his commission for them to preach the gospel, commanded them to remain in Jerusalem to await the arrival of the Holy spirit, and while blessing them ascended to heaven.

(3) There were guards paid to say Jesus had not been resurrected. It was the source of many of his disciples being arrested. It remains a source of contention for some to this day https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2028%3A12-15&version=NIV.

(4) Angels played a role throughout Jesus life on earth. They announced his birth, confirmed his resurrection and return to heaven. They also gave details about Jesus’ future return. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%201%3A10-11&version=NIV.