We Christians can get hung up on so many
things that we spend time judging others at the expense of experiencing the joy
of Easter, or “Resurrection Sunday” to some. Once again, I hear Christians
arguing over the “pagan rituals” that have become a big marketing part of the
season. I hear factual history that has influenced what the secular world calls
Easter today, and I hear false history touted as truth.
I will not go into bunnies, eggs and
baskets. I will touch on letting the devil and world take away your joy if you
get so focused on the cons, that the day becomes a burden for you.
First, why do we expect the world to act
any different? Why do we get so upset we let the season go by grumbling about
this and that? Don’t we go through the same thing at Christmas? Many of our
brothers and sisters refuse to celebrate Christ’s Birth on December 25th
because of some pagan influence or another. Have we forgotten we are in this
world to cast the light of truth? We can’t cast much light if we continually
attack those who don’t even know better. Instead we should be lovingly showing
the truth of the Death, Burial and Resurrection.
We can turn so many people off to the
message of Christ by beating them over the head about “fertility” rituals, colored
eggs and stuff they won’t even understand. Remember, we are charged to go out
into the world and proclaim the Gospel, not condemn everything the unknowing
does. I read where Jesus won converts with a soft approach that was straight
forward and truthful. He asked questions of the person, showed them what God
wanted, and lovingly corrected them. He also left it up to them to follow Him
or not.
The point is the Gospel is enough to spark
change, if change is forthcoming. It does us no good to fuss and complain about
how WE think others should know what it’s all about. We only steal our own joy
and give ourselves ulcers. Enjoy Easter as the Resurrection of our beloved
Savior Jesus Christ. The season is pretty correct, for we count it from the
Jewish Passover. If it is a few days off, it doesn’t matter. We mark this day
to collectively celebrate our love for Him.
And as far as eating a good dinner on that
day, what Christian turns down a good meal and family fellowship. What better
day to shine your little light to family and friends with joy. And if one of
the kids hands you an “Easter Egg” just eat it and enjoy. Remember, God told
Peter nothing He makes is unclean!
