Hello Friends,

In just a few weeks, we will be celebrating Easter – or as we like to call it, Resurrection Sunday. Believe it or not, this holiday is the most important holiday of the year for those of us who are Christians. It’s more important than Thanksgiving or Christmas… and that’s because of what happened during the Resurrection. Unfortunately, when most of the world thinks of Easter, everyone conjures up images of cute Easter bunnies, colorful eggs, peanut butter eggs, baby chicks, etc. While baby bunnies and baby chicks represent new life, they don’t quite represent the true meaning of new life that we as Christians ought to be celebrating. Maybe you’re a bit confused, and maybe you’re wondering why you should celebrate Easter…. and most of all you’re wondering why it’s so important? Let me briefly explain a few more things, and then let’s talk about how we as Christians can celebrate this very important holiday.

Why is Easter so Important?

Easter, (or more appropriately Resurrection Sunday) is when we as Christians recognize that glorious day when Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Jesus went to the cross and died a sinner’s death in our stead. We are the ones that deserved to die because of our sins, but Jesus took our place. After He died, His body was placed in a tomb. After three days, He rose from the dead!

“And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” Matthew 28:5-6

Why is His Resurrection such an extraordinary part of the Gospel? Because IF Christ had not risen from the dead, we would be completely without hope. The fact that Christ died and rose again, proves that He wasn’t just some ordinary man…. He was the Son of God! And because He lives, those who are genuine believers in Him, will someday die a physical death and be raised again in Eternal Life.

Not only does Jesus’ Resurrection represent Eternal Life for us, but it represents the new life that we have in Christ while we are still here on the earth…

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

In Christ we receive both Eternal Life, and new life here on earth. What an amazing thing. That is why Easter is so important, and why it ought to be celebrated by every Christian.

Now onto the practical stuff… How can you and I celebrate Easter for the important holiday that it is?

1. Realize the Importance

We already talked about why Easter (or Resurrection Sunday) is so important… but is Easter special to YOU? Have you recognized in your heart how momentous this holiday ought to be for you?

Have you accepted what Christ did for you on the cross? Have you accepted His free gift of Salvation? If you’re not sure and you still have questions, feel free to contact me here.

It’s only when we take the time to stop and realize how significant the Resurrection is for us as Christians that we can truly celebrate and glory in this special holiday.

2. Recognize Good Friday

What is Good Friday?!

It’s the Friday right before Resurrection Sunday that we recognize the Lord’s death on the cross. Most churches have something special going on during this day. Growing up, we always went out door to door inviting people to church on Easter. Now my hubby and I are attending a new church, and typically they have special preaching services on Good Friday.

Good Friday is an excellent day for believers to gather together, or at the very least, spend time considering Christ’s death and thanking Him for what He’s done for us!

This year, why not spend some time recognizing this day? Read the crucifixion story, thank God for dying on the cross to save you, or go to your church to be a part of the Good Friday activities.

3. Read the Resurrection Account in the Bible

This is the true story that we are celebrating…. we ought to read it and have it fresh in our minds and hearts. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John each record their perspective of the Resurrection (hint: it’s always at the end of the book if you need help finding it!). You could read each account of the Resurrection during the four days leading up to Easter… or you could begin reading one each day now, up until Resurrection Sunday. It’s up to you… choose a method that works best for you. Just be sure to read the story at least once!

4. Have a Special Dinner

Growing up we typically had Easter dinner with my grandparents. It was always a holiday to look forward to. The dining room was always decorated in Spring colors, and all the kids usually had a chocolate bunny sitting at each of our seats! It was always a fun afternoon of time with family.

Another special Easter dinner that I remember, was just a few years ago. After church my mom served our family a special meal of lamb. I can’t remember what else we ate that day, but I remember this meal because that may have been the first time I ever ate lamb! For me, it was a memorable and special Easter dinner.

Maybe your family already has an Easter dinner tradition? If not, why not take the initiative to get one started?

5. Read an Easter Themed Book

I don’t know about you… but my idea of celebrating something, usually includes reading a book! At Christmas time I read Christmas books, around Valentine’s day I enjoy reading books about love, etc. So why not read a book about Easter/the Resurrection? There are two books that I am considering reading this year… they are…

• The Women of Easter
• The Case for Easter

Do you know of a good Easter-themed book? Please share it with me in the comments!

6. Create Some Family Traditions

I already mentioned having a special Easter dinner, but what are some other family traditions you could start? Here are some ideas that my hubby and I have come up with:

• Read the Resurrection Story as a family.
• Decorate the house for spring before Easter. This will help every one get into a more festive mood.
• Watch a movie as a family each Easter (read more about that next).
• Give a gift to a family member or friend – something to remind them of the Resurrection or something to help them grow in their walk with God.
• Discuss as a family something that God has taught you this year.
• Visit an elderly family member or church member to bring them some cheer.
• Sing or play some Resurrections hymns.

I think it’s a bit harder to come up with Easter traditions… but if we are creative, we can start some fun family traditions that will make this holiday one that we remember and look forward to each year.

7. Watch a Movie as a Family

There aren’t a whole lot of good movies out there that are “Easter-themed” but there are a couple. Maybe you know of one that would be fitting. (If you know of a good one, please share it with me in the comments!) Here are just a couple movies you might consider watching this Easter:

• Do You Believe?
• The Case For Christ
• The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry

8. Attend Church

Hopefully, this is something that you already do (and not JUST on Easter!). But go out and attend your local church on Resurrection Sunday. This is the most important holiday for us as Christians…. it ought to spent with fellow believers gathered together to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Final Thoughts

Easter IS a special holiday…. and it ought to be celebrated. I hope that this post has given you some ideas for how you (and your family) can celebrate this special day. Before you go… I would love to know…

• How to you and your family typically celebrate Easter Sunday?

• Do you have any creative ideas to add?

Please share your thoughts + comments below…. I am always on the lookout for great ideas! Thanks for reading and please share this post with others via Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest!