Easter isn’t just a holiday marked by springtime traditions and colorful eggs—it is the heart of the Christian faith. For the Church, Easter represents the most powerful and transformative event in history: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It’s more than a one-day celebration; it is the foundation upon which Christianity stands.
Resurrection: The Heart of Our Faith
When Jesus rose from the dead, He did more than conquer the grave—He fulfilled prophecy, confirmed His divinity, and opened the door for eternal life. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:17, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” Without the resurrection, the message of the Gospel would be incomplete. But because He lives, the Church proclaims a message of hope and salvation to a world in need.
A Time for Renewal
Easter is a season of renewal, both spiritually and personally. Just as Jesus rose to new life, believers are called to rise above sin and live transformed lives. The forty days leading up to Easter, known as Lent, are a time of reflection, repentance, and preparation. By the time Easter Sunday arrives, the Church rejoices in the victory of Christ and the promise of new beginnings.
Fulfillment of God’s Promise
Throughout the Old Testament, God promised a Savior. From the Passover lamb in Egypt to the prophetic words of Isaiah, the Church sees Easter as the fulfillment of God’s plan to redeem humanity. Jesus, the Lamb of God, offered Himself as a sacrifice, and His resurrection sealed the promise that those who believe in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
A Living Hope
The resurrection isn’t just a moment in history—it’s a living reality that fuels the Church’s mission. Easter reminds believers that no matter how dark the world may seem, light has already triumphed. It assures us that death does not have the final word, and that God is continually at work making all things new.
Celebrated in Community
Churches around the world mark Easter with joy and reverence. From candlelit vigils to sunrise services and joyous hymns, Easter worship is a vibrant reminder that Christ is risen. Baptisms often take place on Easter Sunday, symbolizing the believer’s death to sin and resurrection into new life in Christ.
In Conclusion
To the Church, Easter is more than a day—it’s the very reason we have hope. It is the declaration that love defeated hate, life overcame death, and the grave could not hold the Savior of the world. Every Easter Sunday, the Church doesn’t just remember what happened 2,000 years ago—it celebrates what is still true today: He is risen. He is risen indeed.
Michael J McCluskey 