Easter embodies the heart of Christian theology, presenting the ultimate demonstration of God’s power and love through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This event is pivotal because it confirms Jesus as the Son of God and validates His teachings and sacrifice. The resurrection is seen as the fulfilment of prophecy, affirming Jesus’ victory over death and offering believers the hope of eternal life. 

In theological terms, Easter signifies the new covenant between God and humanity, where sin and death are conquered, allowing for reconciliation with God. This transformative moment underscores the concept of redemption, illustrating that individuals are forgiven through faith in Jesus Christ and can attain salvation. It reinforces the belief in the resurrection of the body and life everlasting, central tenets of the Christian faith that influence moral and ethical living. Easter, therefore, is not just a historical event but a profound declaration of faith, inviting reflection on the mysteries of divine grace, the nature of atonement, and the promise of resurrection for all who believe.

In today’s fast-paced world, Easter stands as a beacon of hope and renewal for Christians. It is a time for believers to reconnect with the essence of their faith, reflecting on the profound love and sacrifice that Jesus Christ demonstrated through His resurrection. This celebration transcends mere historical commemoration; it is a personal invitation to experience transformation and renewal in our lives. Easter reminds us that, despite our challenges and adversities, redemption and new beginnings are always possible through faith in Christ. It encourages us to live out the values of love, forgiveness, and compassion in our daily interactions, inspired by Jesus’s example.

Moreover, Easter fosters community and unity among Christians as they celebrate their shared faith and the promise of eternal life. This collective observance reinforces the bond among believers worldwide, highlighting the inclusive and transcendent nature of Christianity. Easter is a reflection of our faith’s past and a vibrant expression of its ongoing relevance and power to shape our lives and the world around us.

During the preparation for Easter, many Christians are thinking of how to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Yet, there are many more Christians who view Easter as just another day of the year, just another government holiday where they don’t have to work, where they get the day off of school, or as a day where they get to eat extra food from the Easter booties. Why does this happen? Why do some people no longer view Easter as important to them? Why do some people view Easter as just another day of the year?
I don’t pretend to have all the answers to this question, nor do I know what goes on in the minds of people. Yet that said, I believe that many people have been listening to the beliefs and views of modern society with regards to Easter, and are letting these views take precedence in their lives, either willingly or unwillingly.

There are times when it is difficult to be a Christian in the modern world. There are times when we all struggle with our faith. I’m going to put the idea of Easter into context, to try to explain why it is important for us as Christians to celebrate Easter as one of, if not, the most important holy days in Christianity. Potentially even more important than Christmas. 

Early Christians did not necessarily view Christmas as the most holy and important day of the year. Instead, they viewed Easter as the most important date for all Christians. There were even Church councils and treatises on the topic of Easter and the dating for it, no such things exist for Christmas. I am not trying to negate Christmas. Why was Easter so important to early Christians? The answer is simple. Easter is so important because all of Christianity revolves around the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. If Jesus did not die for our sins, or if Jesus did not rise again after three days, then the entire hope of Christianity is based upon nothing but lies and falsities.

In short, Christianity would be meaningless as a religion, because our sins would not be forgiven by Christ. If it wasn’t for Easter we would have to continue living as the Jews of old and offering animal sacrifices to the Lord for our sins. 

The single reason why Easter was and is so important to Christianity is because it is the centre of our faith and religion, and the basis of our identity as Christians. Sure, Jesus’ birth is important, as is His ascension. But none of them saved us from our sins. Jesus’ birth is only in two of the Gospels, the ascension in another two and Acts. Yet, you know what is mentioned in every single gospel, and is the focus of each gospel? Not Jesus’ birth, not even Jesus’ teachings, but Jesus’ death and resurrection. It is so important that it was seen as the cornerstone for Christianity, the rock upon which the Church was built. 

Therefore it can be seen that Easter should be viewed as the most important holiday for all Christians. Not just those pious believers, or those of the early Church. EVERYONE. You, me, your colleagues, your co-workers, your friends, that person down the pew from you, the organist and pianist. Every single Christian should view Easter as the most important event of the year. And we should not be afraid of viewing Easter this way. As Paul says in Romans 1:16, I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News is that Christ died on the Cross for all of humanity, not just the Jews, but also the Gentiles that their sins may be redeemed if they believe in Him, that they will have everlasting life. If Paul is not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, then why are we? Why should we not be out celebrating Easter as if it is the most important holiday of the year? Because it is. Easter is the most important holiday of the year for us as Christians.  Easter is just as important for us today as it was 2000 years ago in the early Church. Just as important because it represents that Jesus saved us from our sins by dying and rising again after three days. 

So this Easter, instead of just accepting it as another day, instead of just welcoming the break from the work week, recognize Easter for what it is and celebrate it accordingly. Set aside fanciful notions of the Easter and focus on the truth of Easter. The truth of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the true meaning of Easter, the truth behind Christianity, and thank God for sending His son to die for our sins so that we may have eternal life in Him!

Happy Easter!!! God Bless Nigeria!!!