A Facebook friend of mine recently posted this image.
I've heard this before. Don't doubt that it's true. But I never researched it or anything. It just didn't seem important enough for me to spend time researching.
Because even if it's true (which it probably is), it has no effect whatsoever on my FAITH and my celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Like Christmas, Easter Sunday is a Christian holiday that also has pagan roots. I understand that a lot of Christian groups celebrate neither Christmas nor Easter because of their pagan history.
Here's the thing.
I have NO PROBLEM with their pagan roots. I fully believe that we are able to "reclaim" traditions, customs, practices, etc... of a culture for the Kingdom of God.
So Easter is the celebration of sex and fertility?
I say GOOD!
Because within God's law- sex and fertility are GREAT things. And they bring NEW LIFE!!
Bunnies and eggs represent fertility? Easter is just a celebration of the Spring Equinox? Oh, you don't say!
I have no problem with bunnies (especially chocolate ones) or eggs (especially Cadbury ones). Or Spring for that matter. They all represent NEW LIFE. Out with the cold, in with the new! (yes, I said cold- not a typo).
In response to that image above, I decided to "share" it and also share my reaction:
As for Easter Egg hunts? All just fun and games, right? Sure, I guess. Pagan roots? Most likely.
But let's take it a step further.
Eggs represent fertility and new life. "Seeking" the eggs during a hunt runs parallel with seeking new life or a new beginning. In our family, we call them Redemption Eggs or Resurrection Eggs and use it as a conduit to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
If you are seeking a new life or beginning, you will find it.
Matthew 7:7 (NIV) states: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
My dear friends. There is only one way to find new life.
His name is Jesus Christ.
"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6 (NIV)
Awesome post you have about Easter. I totally agree with everything you said. We (my family and I) celebrate it for the very reason of Jesus Christ. Whatever is pagan, somehow, somewhere will ultimately lead back to Christ :). Thank you for sharing. I'm a new fan and also a LOCAL girl!
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The Wondering Brain
I get slightly annoyed when people try to teach the "real" roots of Easter, and why you should feel silly for celebrating with church, or eggs, or bunnies. There will always be those awful naysayers and those who love pushing counterculture because it somehow makes them feel elite. I just go on and ignore them and continue enjoying a wonderful Easter filled with prayers, roast lamb, bunnies, and eggs with my family!
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