When you think about Easter, what pops into your mind? Is it that whimsical bunny that delivers delicious chocolate treats while you sleep? Or maybe it’s the thrill of Easter egg hunts and gathering with family. For me, Easter is about so much more—it’s about Jesus.
It wasn’t always that way if I’m being honest. As a child, I would look forward to waking up in the morning, finding my mom, dad and brother, and then looking through the house to find where the Easter bunny hid my basket that year. It was about eating all the chocolate candies then heading to my grandma’s house to eat all the delicious Italian food too. Looking back, I realize Easter was really all about the food—lol!
As you read this blog, you may be excited for all the world tells you about Easter. That it’s about magical bunnies, candy, and egg hunts. But I’m here to tell you why it’s about SO much more!
4 Reasons to Celebrate Easter
1. Heart Of It All
Easter isn’t just one holiday on our yearly calendars, it’s the heart of the Christian faith. We believe that Jesus died on a cross and rose from the dead three days later. It’s the pivotal moment when God’s promise is revealed. He sent Jesus, his son, to the world. He was born as a human, lived a life of love, and endured unimaginable pain. When He died on the cross, He did it for you, for me, and for all of humanity. That’s why we celebrate Easter–because we rejoice in Jesus’ resurrection knowing we are loved and saved.
2. Love For All
Think about the movies where a hero jumps in front of a bullet to save someone. That’s exactly what Jesus did for us. He loves us SO much that he grew up knowing that one day he would die an ultimate death to save us. I don’t think there’s a greater love than that!
3. Hope In It All
What is something that you put your hope in? Maybe it’s a job or a relationship, or something else entirely. When I’m struggling, feeling down, or just simply having a bad day, I turn to Jesus. Just as you celebrate a job promotion or life milestone, we celebrate Easter because Jesus’ resurrection was a one-time event with amazing, ongoing, eternal consequences—it’s a promise that death isn’t the final word. (Matthew 28) We can live our lives free from fear of death because our hope is in Him.
4. Invitation To Find It All
We all like to be invited to events or parties. But when was the last time someone invited you to church? Today, I’m inviting you to join me for a celebration like no other. While Easter is undeniably Christ-centered, its celebration extends to all people, including you! Easter is an invitation to find hope, meaning, and purpose in Jesus. If you haven’t been to church before, this is your opportunity. At Shepherd’s Gate, our church is a place for everyone to belong. To feel loved. To find their place. To be welcomed and embraced.
You can still participate in all the fun Easter egg hunts, basket hidings, and family traditions, but keep in mind the real reason why we celebrate Easter—Jesus! He offers you everything you need—and more.
