46 Days of Easter

Isn’t it weird seeing Christmas decorations in October?  We chalk it down to pure and simple commercialism most of the time.  But the reason for that is because there is a hype—a build-up—for Christmas.  We look forward to it the whole year, and the anticipation builds all the more as fall comes to an end and winter approaches.  For Christians, Christmas is truly important, as it our day to celebrate the advent of Jesus Christ.  So where’s the hype for Easter?

I can’t say that I have an actual answer for that question, but there are some possibilities.  For liturgical Christians like myself, we observe Lent, the period starting on Ash Wednesday and culminating with Easter, and which is meant to be a time of reflection and usually some form of fasting.  Perhaps, for liturgical Christianity at least, this is our build-up.  But what about everyone else?  Is Christmas just a more exciting holiday? Maybe; it has a particular atmosphere to it.  It brings joy and celebration in the cold winter, and plus there’s gift-giving!  We talk about a “Christmas Spirit,” but not so much an “Easter Spirit.”

Lent has historically been to Easter what the period between Halloween and December 25 has been to Christmas.  It is a time to grow closer to God, and really make Easter all the more meaningful.  And Easter should be very meaningful.  It is when we celebrate the day around which all of history hinges.  A man dying was nothing new; resurrection even wasn't brand new, as it had happened in the Old Testament and at least three times through Jesus’ ministry.  But to be resurrected through one’s own power over life and death had never before been seen, and never will be again.  Jesus’ resurrection on Easter is the very assurance of His divinity, our salvation, and His unfathomable love for us.  Truly a day worth anticipating!

I don’t mean to criticise any denominations or individuals who do not choose to observe the Lenten season.  I just want to remind us all that Christmas is indeed what makes Easter possible; but Easter is what makes Christmas special.  Thousands of babies were probably born the same day that Christ was; the simple fact that a baby was born is nothing special.  But how many of those other babies grew to live sinless lives and died so that all of humanity that was and was to come could live? How many of those babies came back to life and gave us the greatest gift of all: Easter, the Promise of Resurrection?  You see, without Easter, we would not even know to celebrate Christmas.  Let us use the remaining time of Lent to our advantage, and I wish you all a happy Easter!

PS – The Title 46 Days of Easter refers the forty-six days from Ash Wednesday to Easter. Just in case you were wondering.