Saint Nick has barely parked his sleigh in his VISA-sponsored garage and already the chocolate eggs line the convenience shop counters on every corner. The Easter season is upon us again filled with its usual mix of tradition and ritual. I do not believe anyone would be shocked if I made the statement that Easter eggs and rabbits have nothing whatsoever to do with the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The term Easter derives from the goddess of Spring (Astarte) who was supposedly hatched from an egg which fell from the sky into the Euphrates river. This goddess was also associated with sun worship and fertility – both symbols of the spring season and the birth of new life. Eggs. Fertility. Rabbits. Add a little chocolate and the tills sing the songs of Spring as happily as the songs of the Yuletide. Unfortunately for the chocolate and rabbit lovers, none of these have any biblical foundation whatsoever.
Chocolate, I’ve noticed also tends to weaken our mathematical skills. Just how do you get three days and three nights between Good Friday and Easter Sunday (which incidentally is how long the Bible says Jesus Christ was to be buried)? Even a clever computer couldn’t work that one out. The Bible declares that Jesus Christ died on Wednesday afternoon and was raised at the same time of day on Saturday. Good Wednesday would hardly be a wash with the calendar makers but at least let’s try and be concerned with the truth of the Bible.
It seems that it is easier to pass over (excuse the pun) the inaccuracies embedded in our culture than to show concern for the truth. Since status quo keeps the tills singing, it’s hard to shake off the comfort factor of mindless ritual no matter how much it may overshadow the declaration of scripture.
The distractions of life make it all too easy to overlook what Jesus Christ accomplished for all those who choose to believe. Ever seen any scriptures printed on the bunny’s ears? Jesus Christ’s shed blood provides for the remission and forgiveness of sins. His broken body provides healing. Both of these are symbolized by the bread and the wine of the Communion celebration. A living savior that has taken care of both sin and sickness. Now that’s something worth celebrating. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the crux of Christianity. What’s up doc? Well to be frank, Jesus Christ.
So, if on this occasion of the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, you are tempted to comment, “Well, what difference does it make?” All the difference between truth and error. Choose what you will. Or if you are of the opinion, “So what if we add a few customs and rituals that other religions had?” May I recommend you to the scriptures themselves:
Deuteronomy 12:30-32
“… be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about their gods, saying, ‘How do these nations serve their gods? We will do the same’. You must not worship the Lord your God in their way… See that you do all I command you ; do not add to it or take away from it..”
Not much candy coating there.