Embracing the real Easter
EASTER this, Easter that. This annual long weekend has varying definitions for all of us. But one of the most significant is that it is a good time for reflection as we conclude the first quarter of the year.
Today, in the Christian world, is defined as a Holy Saturday. Wordsmiths state that this is a day of quiet reflection and anticipation for Christians around the world.
It is the day between the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday and his resurrection on Easter Sunday. Holy Saturday, also known as Easter Eve, is a time to mourn the death of Jesus and to prepare for his resurrection.
But for some today is just another Saturday and that is allowed. Freedom of religion is a basic human right. For those in the Christian faith, in commemorating the Resurrection of Jesus, Easter also celebrates the defeat of death and the hope of salvation.
RESURRECTION
Christian tradition holds that the sins of humanity were paid for by the death of Jesus and that his Resurrection represents the anticipation believers can have in their resurrection. Hence the famous line ‘Christ paid it all’.
There is a circulating meme that states, ‘When the landlord asks for rent just say Christ paid it all’. A meme shared in jest with no intent of blasphemy.
This weekend is also one in which many unite and congregate under one cause. It is a time that we get to be on the same team as we share common goals around this weekend.
The goals could be going to church, a family outing, or old friends gathering or even just a couple’s vacation.
PLEASANT
There is no doubt that Easter is a unifier. But most so for Christians. In Pslams 133 it is described as follows: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron’s beard over the collar of his robes.”
This weekend we see the consistency of the national Easter Prayer Services which are held every year.
UNIQUE
This is a unique gathering that shows the same unity that the Bible applauds. It strengthens us as a nation and is a true depiction of the real meaning of Easter.
While various churches also have their services, the good thing is that we are all serving one God. If anything it is a decentralisation of services to the people in all areas.
In recent times we have seen people disagree or question the existence of the Bible and the faith. However, in Biblical times we were taught to stay united.
Here is an excerpt from BibleRef on the topic: In his letter to the Philippians, Paul appealed for unity by calling upon two notable members to set aside some dispute and agree with one another (Philippians 4:2).
“It is not wrong for church members to disagree about non-biblical matters, but they should agree to disagree - to disagree without being disagreeable.
“However, they should be of the same opinion about essential doctrinal matters. Churches do not have to become one large unification, where all people have the same tastes and preferences.
“They should be united in the fundamentals of the faith. Union and unity are not identical,” the excerpt reads. So united we stand this Easter weekend.
CELEBRATION
It is apparent that Easter, like Christmas, has accumulated a great many traditions, some of which have little to do with the Christian celebration of the Resurrection but derive from folk customs.
They have also made for the commercialisation of these important holidays. As the online Encyclopedia Britannica notes, the custom of the Easter lamb appropriates both the appellation used for Jesus in Scripture (“behold the lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world,” John 1:29) and the lamb’s role as a sacrificial animal in ancient Israel.
“In antiquity Christians placed lamb meat under the altar, had it blessed, and then ate it on Easter. Since the 12th century the Lenten fast has ended on Easter with meals including eggs, ham, cheeses, bread and sweets that have been blessed for the occasion,” it explains.
Today we also have bunny rabbits and Easter eggs, each time preluding this amazing long weekend normally only associated with religion.
Event organisers have also taken advantage of the long weekend to host big shows as most people would be available to attend with no work commitments.
So if Easter weekend falls at the end of the first quarter of 2024, then it provides an excellent opportunity to review goals set at the start of the year.
After all Holy Saturday has been dubbed a time for reflection as we look towards the resurrection of Christ. A resurrection which is symbolic of our death of old ways and the genesis of better ways.
INTROSPECTION
A major key to achieving your goals is checking in on progress and reviewing them quarterly. In some small, maybe imperceptible way – or maybe even significantly – you’re not the same person you were at the beginning of the year, and those changes should also come with some introspection on your end.
According to a study by Michigan State University, 76 per cent of participants who wrote down their goals, and actions and provided weekly progress to a friend successfully achieved their goals.
So it shows that accountability and being clear about your goals helps you to succeed in achieving them. This is a reminder that you are allowed to modify your goals or strategies if needed.
Remember, progress, not perfection, is key. So as we go about this long weekend let us review our goals and set new ones for the second quarter of the year and smash them because we will be refreshed and revitalised.