April 16, 2025 - Good Morning! It’s Wednesday, April 16.
We continue today with our series “The Road to Resurrection,” focusing on what the Bible tells us Jesus did each day of the week leading to the first Easter. Wednesday of Holy Week is sometimes called “Silent Wednesday” because the Word gives no details about Christ’s activities on that day. Perhaps knowing what was to come, He spent the day in rest and prayer and preparation.
We take this Wednesday to look at some of the secular traditions, the cultural trappings of the Easter holiday. Just like Christmas, which takes many of its customs from the ancient winter solstice celebrations, Easter incorporates elements of pagan springtime festivals. The name itself - Easter - is derived from the name - Eostre - of a goddess of spring. Eggs, for thousands of years, have been symbols of new life, of rebirth, and made a seamless connection with the Christian message of resurrection. The Easter bunny originated in medieval Germany as a kind of springtime Santa, bringing candy to children after the 40 days of Lent, when sweets weren’t on the menu.
And then there’s the date of Easter - something of a moveable feast. Easter can occur as early as the third week of March and as late as the last week of April. How is it figured? It’s the first Sunday, after the first full moon, after the first day of spring.
Just as we do during the Christmas season, we can enjoy with our families the cultural traditions of Easter. But we should be careful not to let the secular customs cause us to forget Easter’s spiritual foundation. We must always remember the reason for the season.
Jesus lived. Jesus died. Jesus lives again.
Meet you back here tomorrow,
David
cindertex50@yahoo.com
