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How in the world can a word that appears only once in the entire Bible (Acts 12:4 – King James Version only) possibly come to mean so much to so many, filling both Protestant and Catholic churches worldwide with sometimes overflowing crowds once a year? Yet to other believers in Jesus Christ, this same word creates a genuinely troubled spirit when the traditions of this holiday are actually considered and realistically spiritually discerned.
But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ. – 1 Corinthians 2:15-16
Easter was originally a pagan festival honoring Eostre (a Saxon word) of the East, or Estera, a Teutonic goddess of light and the season of spring (Germanic – Ostern or Ostera), which was celebrated annually around the same time of year as the Jewish Passover. To be exact, it occurs at the time of the “vernal equinox”—that one day in our spring when the sun crosses the equator, making the light of day and the darkness of night exactly equal lengths. However, by the eighth century, the name “Easter” had become associated with Christianity, and was used to designate the annual celebration of Christ’s victorious resurrection… which is used—disgracefully, perhaps even sacrilegiously—in most modern-day churches and by most Christians today in our society.
In reality, based upon the New Testament practices of Christ’s Church and that of His early believers, we gather every Sunday morning (or perhaps even at sunset on the Sabbath) in celebration of Christ’s matchless, magnificent resurrection! Every Lord’s Day is Resurrection Sunday. Why then do we reserve our greatest celebration for a single day tied to pagan origins rather than rejoicing weekly in this foundational truth of our faith?
While my intention is not to judge one’s fun family traditions inappropriately, at some point we, as faithful followers of Jesus Christ, are required, perhaps challenged, to reconsider the source, value, and messaging of every cultural tradition that creeps in to secularize our Lord’s churches and infiltrate our own contemporary lifestyles. While none of us has obtained the perfection or the maturity that we have in Christ Jesus, as individuals called to live righteously, we must carefully select what’s allowed and what’s not. This is not a self-righteous platform by which one exalts themselves and in turn judges others, but a personal matter of self-awareness and discipline by which we seek to please the Lord and function in genuine, biblically-based faith!
Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. – Ephesians 5:7-10
The question each believer must ask is this: Does the celebration of “Easter” with its eggs, bunnies, and spring fertility symbols truly honor the risen Christ? Or does it dilute the power of the resurrection by mingling the sacred with the secular, the pure and holy with the pagan? As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 2:14, “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
We must exercise spiritual discernment in all things—including our traditions, our celebrations, and the names we attach to the most significant events in our faith. The resurrection of Jesus Christ deserves better than a name borrowed from a pagan goddess. It deserves to be celebrated with clarity, with truth, and with undivided devotion to the One who conquered death and rose victorious from the grave.
Let us not be content with once-a-year enthusiasm that fades by Monday morning. Instead, let us embrace the biblical pattern of weekly celebration, gathering each Lord’s Day to proclaim with joy and heartfelt conviction: “He is risen! He is risen indeed!” This is not legalism; this is love. This is not judgment; this is discernment. This is the call to honor Christ fully, completely, and without compromise.
Just think about it!
Pastor Frank
Thank you Pastor Frank for sharing this powerful reminder to walk in discernment and to examine what many have accepted without question. My spirit is in total agreement and was stirred once again – Praise God!
What stood out most to me is that the resurrection is not meant to be celebrated just once a year but lived and honored continually. “Every Lord’s Day” is Resurrection Sunday…what a beautiful and convicting truth.
I appreciate the balance you brought…this isn’t about judgment, but about a sincere desire to please the Lord and walk in the Light.
Up from the grave He arose!
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes!
He arose a victor from the dark domain!
and He lives forever, with His saints to reign!
HE AROSE! HE AROSE! HALLELUJAH! CHRIST AROSE!
“He is risen! He is risen indeed!”—not just today, but every day.
Thank you for speaking truth in love.