Resurrection Sunday, Formerly Known As Easter

In the music business, when an artist is having contract issues, they circumvent those issues by changing their name. The name change allows the artist to continue making money and music outside of the contract. The artist seemingly has a new identity while letting everyone know who he is by using the words “formerly known as.”

As a child I celebrated Easter just like most Christians. My mom got me a new dress and shoes for church, and we had family dinner just as if it was Christmas. The gift was Christ; He had risen from the dead, and because of this those who believe are saved. It indeed is a celebration. Christians did not only celebrate Easter; non-believers celebrated Easter also. They got new outfits and had Easter Egg Hunts, the clubs had kiddie Easter parties, everyone (even Christians) decorated eggs in beautiful colors, and most times the Easter bunny got all the credit. This did not bother most children or me. My friends and I went to church in our new outfits, ate Easter candy and colorful eggs, and learned about how Jesus was put to death and rose three days later to save us from sin’s consequence. Children didn’t know or care about the pagan connection to Easter.

Years later there was a shift, and instead of saying ‘Happy Easter,’ adults said, ‘Happy Resurrection Sunday.’ It felt like an attempt to recreate an  identity. I felt the shift from Easter Bunny (Peter Cottontail) back to Jesus. The identity of Easter was changing back to what it was-- just under a new name. Easter was originally about Jesus and new beginnings, anyway.
Although pagans had coupled Easter with Spring (new beginnings), festivals (parties), and fertility (bunnies and eggs) it was always a religious holiday to me. Nonetheless, Resurrection Sunday, formerly known as Easter, is a grand time and an opportunity for believers to share the gospel of Christ.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for Your Son, Jesus who was obedient even unto the cross. Thank you for Your grace and mercy and unconditional love. Without those things the world would be lost. Lord, remind us to share the gospel as we don our new outfits. Remind us not to judge people who come to church once or twice a year, but instead welcome them and share with them the good news that Christ is risen. Lord, I appreciate the opportunity to celebrate You and share why believers celebrate Resurrection Sunday. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
By Sis. Pat Towns