AN EASTER REFLECTION

A long time ago (almost half a century, for those of you wondering), I remember sitting around the table painting Easter eggs with my family. It was a European tradition, one where we not only painted eggs, but also soaked decals in water and gently placed them on the shells in the lead-up to Easter. Those were my early reflections on Easter. 

From the traditions I experienced as a child to my thoughts now as a Christian, I have reflected on Easter in contrast to other faiths and their observations such as Diwali, Ramadan, or Hanukkah, and how each faith has its own season of celebration and reflection. 

For Christians, Easter is a moment of reflection, both personal and collective. While at Christmas we celebrate the birth of Christ, at Easter we pause to reflect on the sacrifice that Christ made. In the Bible, in what is known as the Gospel of John, it says ‘Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’ (John 15:13). Jesus says this the night before he gives up his life and dies on the cross. Jesus goes to the cross for the sake of all humanity, to pay the price for our mistakes and to take on the punishment we deserved. Jesus makes this sacrifice out of love. 

It seems like a sombre story, but for Christians, it doesn’t end there. Easter is also about celebrating the resurrection of Christ and his victory over death. Although Jesus’ death was physical, it opened a spiritual door for us to have a restored relationship with God.

Even as a Christian, there are days when it’s hard to wrap my mind around all of this. I say mind because most days my mind is firmly grounded in fact and tangible evidence. My heart on the otherhand, does a much better job of understanding what this act has meant. As a Christian, I have a relationship with God that is living and active and although my mind may not always comprehendeverything because it defies logic, my heart knows I cannot do all that I do without God. He is my peace in chaos, my strength when the going gets tough and I am weak, my encouragement when I feel like I don’t fit, and my joy in moments of sadness. 

It is therefore my heart that asks you to reflect on Easter. Consider that this sacrifice we talk about wasn’t just made for us as Christians, it was made for you too, even if you aren’t a Christian; a sacrifice that offers hope, redemption, and a restored relationship with a loving God.