Preparing for Easter

We hear this phrase a lot during lent (forty days of fasting before Easter). What does it really mean and what needs preparation. When I worked in Glendale at the United Community Church, the music director and the church administrator would drive everybody crazy during this period preparing for Easter. It was understandable for the church choir to practice the songs and the administrator to prepare the bulletin, and the eggs etc., but it did not need the frenzy that would take place, not only in Glendale but in other churches as well.

Easter should only be a reminder to us of what has taken place two thousand years ago. That is, in my opinion, what the purpose of the holiday should be. And yes we need to be reminded because we forget. As a Bible teacher I often repeat some of the information I deal with, not because my listeners are slow, but because repetition serves as a good reminder of good information. In fact Jesus tells us that one of the duties of the Holy Spirit is to “bring to your remembrance…” (Jn14:26) and thank Christ for that!

So what is Easter and do we need to remember? Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Christ from the dead. This happened three days after His crucifixion. This event was a fulfillment of the feast of the Passover. Just before the deliverance of God’s people from slavery in Egypt, God instructed Moses to have the believers paint the door step of their home with blood from the sacrifices they offered and that the angel would see the blood and Passover that house without harm. So the household would be delivered because of the blood. So Jesus’ blood on the cross would deliver anyone who believes in the atonement power of the cross. Easter is the celebration of the raising of Jesus from the grave and serves to remind us that we too will have our own Easter. It is wonderful to know that we who believe will be resurrected just like Jesus was. So there is no special preparation for this holiday, we should be reminded always of the glorious event, our Easter! And I do thank Christ for this great event that will take place based on my faith and trust in Jesus. My you the reader have this faith in Jesus so that one day you can have your Easter as well!