Why Do Christians Celebrate The Easter Season?

The story of Easter is based on a significant event dating back some 2000 years ago.

Why Do Christians Celebrate The Easter Season?

Easter is when Christians commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus the Son of God who died to save mankind from their sins.

According to the Bible, Jesus died on the cross on the day observed as Good Friday, was buried in a tomb on the same day and then arose 3 days later on Easter Sunday. For Christians, Jesus’ death and resurrection signifies God’s continued presence in this world. His conquering of death gives all believers victory over sin, hell, and death, and offers salvation to everyone who trusts in him. By believing on him a person is given new life in this world and everlasting life in God’s kingdom to come.

A Brief History of Easter’s Timing

The Easter season officially begins on Ash Wednesday and involves 40 days of Lent. The 40 days commemorates the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the desert while enduring temptation by Satan. For Christians, Lent is a time for prayer, fasting, giving alms, or giving up something for the period. It leads up to Holy Week (Palm Sunday – Easter Sunday) and for most faiths ends at sundown on the day referred to as Holy Thursday. The Friday that follows Lent’s end is referred to as Good Friday and is the day that Jesus’ death is observed. His resurrection is observed 3 days later on Easter Sunday.

In many churches across the world people gather together in celebration of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday.

After his resurrection, Jesus admonished his disciples to go out into the world and teach others about him.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

This is an important aspect for Christians who believe that the good news of Jesus should be shared with others to give hope. As a result of his sacrifice, every believer now has a chance at entering into the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus communed with his disciples for a final meal before his crucifixion in an event that is referred to as ‘The Last Supper’. Christians partake of communion as a way to remember that Jesus died as an atonement for sin.

(Matthew 26:26-28) “Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins”.

Easter is a time of reflection and also reminds us about the importance of faith. The Easter story gives Christians, and all mankind by extension, hope.

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