Easter and Jesus Christ

What is Easter? Easter is the day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But where did Easter come from? In this article you'll learn more about the history of the word Easter, how Easter is the time to remember Christ's eternal gift, and how Easter gives us hope.

Where Easter Comes From: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was crucified at the time of the passover. Three days later He rose from the dead and was resurrected which we celebrate on Easter.

From the Bible Dictionary we learn where the word Easter comes from: "The word Easter is from Eastre, a Norse goddess whose pagan festival was observed at the spring equinox. The association of this pagan goddess with the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ was only by adaptation and synthesis. There is no real connection.... It thus became a springtime anniversary, and has come to be called Easter in the Christian world" (Bible Dictionary: Easter).

Easter and Jesus Christ: When Christ was crucified upon the cross He gave up His life through the separation of His body and spirit. His body was laid to rest in a tomb while His spirit, which was still alive, was in the spirit of paradise. The criminal next to him asks Him to remember him when they die. He deliberately said He would be in paradise. (Luke 23:42-43).

While there, Christ was dead for those three days He was preaching His gospel to those spirits who hadn't heard it, the spirits who were in the spirit prison. ( 1 Peter 3: 18-19)

Three days later Jesus Christ was resurrected- His spirit returned to His body. Christ's crucifixion, death, and resurrection are all major parts of the Atonement and are what we should remember and celebrate at Easter. The day Jesus was resurrected was the first Easter.

Easter Gives Us Hope: Easter is a special holiday to celebrate because remembering Christ's atonement and resurrection brings hope and faith. "What meaning would life have without the reality of immortality? Otherwise life would become only a dismal journey of 'getting and spending,' only to end in utter and hopeless oblivion"

I know that Jesus is the Christ and that He suffered and died for each of us. I know He was resurrected and lives. Easter is a beautiful holiday when we can remember Jesus Christ and worship Him as the Son of God and as our Savior and Redeemer.