An Easter Message For the Scornful
Merchants have morphed Easter Sunday into chocolate marshmallow bunnies and hard boiled eggs.
I recall when, in April of 2010, I checked in at my athletic club and wished the young man at the desk a Happy Easter. He response? “Yah? That’s the most ridiculous holiday of the year!” If I hadn’t been running late for a tennis match I would have taken the time to enlighten this product of today’s self-absorbed society. I would have tried to explain the complexities of love and faith to this hardened young man, but I doubt he would have listened or understood.
Early America was founded and pioneered by a mixed bag of immigrants who had one common denominator: they were Christians. The Declaration of Independence was written by Christian men. It has been called the most perfect governing document ever devised. Christmas and Easter holidays were incorporated from the Old Country not to promote merchant sales and boost the economy, but to preserve traditions and honor God and His son.
The America of today is a far cry from the America of even fifty years ago. Christmas and Easter have become commercial holidays that are simply tolerated by those who are of other faiths. Many are offended at the religious connotations of the holidays. They have done their damnedest to take the “Christ” out of Christmas with the generic greeting of “Happy Holidays!” Merchants have morphed Easter Break into “Spring Break,” and Easter Sunday into chocolate marshmallow bunnies and hard boiled eggs.
Yet there are far more of the faithful than the media would lead you to believe. What is faith? Faith is the sister of Love. We love (have faith) in our children, our parents and our spouses. We love them (have faith in them) regardless of their flaws. We love them through their lies, errors, and mistakes. Through sickness, poverty and despair. You see? We have faith they will overcome their faults and failures. That they will prove to us that our love for them isn’t unfounded or wasted.
Faith is the resurrection. Faith is what Easter is all about. It’s the most holy of holies. It’s about Love. It’s about the love of a God who so loved the world that he allowed his beloved son, Jesus, to be crucified. Jesus is love. Jesus brought faith and hope to a sick and weary world. He willingly died for our sins because he was filled with love for humanity. God raised Jesus from the tomb because He had faith this miracle, this sacrifice of all sacrifices, would forever leave an impression in our hearts and upon our souls.
So, young man of the cynical smirk and callous attitude, whether you like it or not, whether you believe it or not, someone died a horribly demeaning and painful death for you two thousand years ago. Someone else resurrected a transfigured Christ to leave a door of faith open for you—a door to eternal life. Someone must love you very much indeed.
Do I believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ? You bet I do. Through faith all things are possible.
With love to all in Him and best wishes for peace and happiness this holy Easter season. - Christine