EASTER

As we approach the time of the year where we celebrate the holiday called Easter, do we as Christians really know what we are celebrating?  The term ‘Easter’ is not of Christian origin. The word ‘Easter’ is not found in any translation of the Bible except once in the the King James Version and it is a mistranslation of the Greek word ‘pascha.’. This is only found in Acts: 12:4. The correct translation should have been ‘Passover’.

So where did the term Easter come from? It originated from European traditions. The name Easter comes from a pagan figure called Eastre or Eostre who was celebrated as the goddess of spring. The festival called Eastre was held in the spring by those that honored her.

A majority of the modern day population celebrate Easter out of context with how it is actually related to the story of the Passover. The feast includes an Easter Ham in place of roasted lamb, decorated eggs, colored chickens and stories about the Easter Bunny or chocolate rabbits. Some churches even put on Easter egg hunts.

I ask, are we worshipping our Holy God in vain with all the mixed representation of Christian Holidays that we are faced with today? Are Christians expected to be teaching the ‘truth’? Is the Church falling away from what God expects? Let us briefly look at what Easter is meant to be.

Easter should actually refer to the Passover. The Passover is the first of God’s seven annual festivals. The Passover in the Holy Land is a reminder of how God saved His people from death in Egypt. God spared His people from death by the blood of the sacrificial lamb on the door frames of their home. The complete story is found in Exodus Chapter 12. Jesus always observed the Passover while here on earth.

The blood of the Passover lamb foreshadowed the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The blood of Jesus passes over the sins of those who repent and receive Jesus Christ as their Savior. It is very clear in the New Testament that Jesus Christ is our true Passover lamb, who spared us from eternal death.

Matthew: 26: 26-28, Jesus observed His last Passover with His disciples where the symbols of bread and water represent His body and blood with what we refer to as communion. With this symbol Jesus offered us forgiveness (or passing over) our sins and the penalty of death. Have you received this free gift?

The death of Jesus actually took place during the daylight hours that followed the Passover evening. Christ was crucified on the day of the Feast of the Passover. He was declared dead that same afternoon and was buried just before sundown.

We need to read and study the Scriptures. John: 8:32 NIV: Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. 1Thessalonians 5:21 KJV: Prove all things; hold fast that which good.

Thank you Jesus for passing over my sins.