By Derrick Morrissette
Every major league sports organization competes throughout the year to make it to the championship. The championship game as we know it is the most exciting, most important, and most celebrated game of the season. Anything less doesn’t carry the same meaning and importance as this game. Both teams are trying to win the game and the trophy that comes with it.
NFL teams play in the Super Bowl trying to win the Vince Lombardi Championship Trophy. NBA teams play in the NBA Finals to win the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy. MLB teams play in the World Series to win the Commissioner’s Championship Trophy. NHL teams play to win the Stanley Cup. Every four years, the whole world participates in the Olympic Games to represent their country by competing in events to win the gold, silver, or bronze medals.
Easter, or “Resurrection Sunday” for followers of Jesus Christ, is our championship game. This is the most important event of the year because of the power and freedom this one event offers.
Easter/Resurrection Sunday is the pillar of the life of the followers of Jesus. Jesus’ crucifixion, death on the cross, and burial are life changing events for the whole world. No matter how we personally observe Easter, it’s a particularly good time to share the Gospel with others. Society at large acknowledges Easter in one way or another. Even those who focus primarily on secular traditions like the Easter Bunny, colored eggs, and chocolate tend to recognize that the holiday is related to Christianity. Christians should use that awareness as an opening to explain who Jesus is, the importance of His death, and the good news of His resurrection.
Most of the excitement around Easter has to do with the excitement of spring with its promise of new growth. It’s amazing to be able to share with others what is observed on Easter and all it represents to believers of Christ. It’s not simply the changing of a season, but a celebration of the way Jesus changed the world. He offers us new and eternal life. At Easter, Christians can enjoy celebrating that reality in a focused way with one another, and we can and should share that amazing news with any who will listen.
Lastly, we all have traditions that we’ve picked up and learned along the way. Often, we learn how to celebrate Easter, but we tend to forget why? Though we have been taught how to celebrate Easter, let’s not forget WHY we celebrate Easter. Jesus is the reason, and we should celebrate Him daily. Share Jesus with your friends, family, strangers, and those who don’t know Him so they can experience His resurrecting power.
Derrick Morrissette is a dedicated husband, father, servant Leader at Mind of Christ International and Chaplain with the Alabaster Fire Department. For more information, click here.