Is Easter More than Colored Eggs?
As a small child, Easter was about seeing real bunnies hop about and finding those bright-colored eggs. My family lived on a small farm five miles from the closest town. Dad worked for a turkey ranch, so our eggs weren’t just pretty, they were super-sized! Beyond the barn stood a greenhouse which doubled as a bunny house. It became the perfect place for a child to have an Easter egg hunt.
Today, as an adult, I know Easter is much more than colored eggs, rabbits, and pretty dresses. It’s really about Jesus and the empty tomb. On the third day after His crucifixion resurrection power brought His buried body back to life.
He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day.” Luke 24:46
Why the Eggs?
Eggs are symbols of Easter because they represent new life, as does Jesus. He walked free from the grave. The baby chick walks free from the egg shell. The egg shell is a visible reminder of the empty tomb.
Jesus is the true resurrection and the life. By His sacrificial love, our sins are atoned for forever. There is no longer a separation between us and our heavenly Father. Jesus is the door to eternal life. When, by faith, we receive His redeeming grace, we immediately walk free from sin’s stains and become joint heirs with Christ.
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13
Why the Bunnies?
Bunnies also represent new life. Rabbits are prolific breeders, known to deliver as many as seven litters each year. Each pregnancy births anywhere from 5 to 14 kits (babies). This is descriptive of what happens when one person testifies about Jesus to another. A multiplication factor of contagious faith is at work and the church grows. Many more people will experience spiritual birth, come to know the love of Christ, and rejoice that their names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. No one can ever earn the right to be recorded in this book. It is a privilege given only to those who profess faith in Jesus.
Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Revelation 21:27
The Gift of Free Will
Jesus longs for every one of us to share eternity with Him. But He won’t override our free will to reject the invitation or treat Him with indifference. The freedom to choose is a gift given to all of us. Will we see its value or toss it aside? Will we weigh the significance of our choices? It’s been said that our life stories will be the sum of the choices we make day-in and day-out. This seems to be a true statement. It’s good to remember some decisions move us closer to Heaven’s everlasting joy, while others lead us far from a happy ending.
Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. 1 John 5:10
Easter is More than Colored Eggs
There is nothing wrong with colored eggs and children hunting for those pretty eggs. But if that’s all Easter means to you, you are missing its central purpose. Will you see more than colored eggs? Will the resurrected Christ be the center of your day—and your life? If so, the true meaning of Easter is covering you with a lifetime of grace and an open door to Heavenly places.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:1-3
Prayer:
Resurrected Lord, giver of eternal life, awaken hearts to see the true Easter story. It’s all about You. Your love for all of us carried our sins to that horrible cross. You chose to redeem the undeserving. And now, You extend an open invitation into Heaven’s forever joy. Thank you, Lord. May Easter remind us afresh of the resurrection power we now possess. May we be living testimonies, sharing contagious faith, and inviting others into the Kingdom story. Amen
Coaches Corner:
Understanding the unconditional love of Christ is the primary foundation undergirding the choices we make. If this is a difficult concept for you, talking with a life coach can help. The first 30 minute session is free. https://www.rebuildingfamilies.net/life-coach/
