“One man considers one day more sacred than others; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his mind. He, who regards one day as more special, does so to the Lord.” – Roman 14:6.
Well, what a question! The answer – in the minds of most Christians or non-Christians, even of Pagans – could certainly be that it is fundamentally Christian. That, despite all the hype and commercialism of chocolates, Easter eggs and bunnies, it is a commemoration (even at the correct time of the year) of the death of our Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary. It is also a celebration of His Glorious Resurrection three days later. Unfortunately, some well-meaning fellow believers have, at the click of a button, downloaded a lot of information about the so-called Pagan roots of much of Christianity. They have indeed uncovered much information, but it often sadly lacks in wisdom. In the process, they have stirred up a great deal of confusion and division in the Body of Christ.
Unlike the similar attacks on the celebration of Christmas, which has Christ’s names stamped all over it, the main objection to Easter is the very name, ‘Easter’. The word ‘Easter’ is of Saxon origin, which is where much of the confusion and controversy stems from. Yes, some of the origins of so many of our words and deeds do indeed have Pagan roots to them.
But praise God the English word ‘Passover’ corresponds well to the Hebrew word Pesach, which is the Jewish festival that took place at the time of our Lord’s death and resurrection. Furthermore, most languages of the world retained the Biblical pasca, and all refer to Easter as a transliterated form of pascha and use ‘resurrection’ in the name.
Early Christians actually used the Pagan holidays and practices to evangelise and Christianise their world, regardless of the silly associations with chocolate, eggs and bunnies capitalised upon by the commercial world. Even though these things have no Biblical significance, people don’t just dismiss them as Pagan symbols, they associate them with the Christian celebration! Ironically, many of the other world’s religions object that at these times, Christianity is ‘shoved down our throats’.
Is it not better to rejoice that for millions, these very celebrations have become the simple means of drawing attention to and enhancing the central messages of Christ Jesus, our one true Lord? Indeed, praise God that the happiest memories of countless millions revolve around these celebrations! In addition, the most inspired Christian literature, art and music has for ages been inspired by these very special occasions.
Finally, allow me to bless you with a prayer:
God our Father, grant to all who would have it a very blessed Easter, ‘n geseënde Paasfees, Iphasika elijabulayo. Amen.
