How do you celebrate Easter? It might seem a bit early to be asking this question, but this past Wednesday marked the beginning of Lent, a period of 40 days (not including Sundays) leading up to Easter. Many denominations observe this period of time, beginning with Ash Wednesday, by fasting, praying, and charitable giving. The 40 days is meant to reflect the time Jesus fasted in the wilderness, and for many, the observance is focused on solemn repentance.
Lent and Ash Wednesday are not Biblically commanded observances, and I have never been apart of a church that observes them (though I have only been a member of 2 churches in my life).But the idea of Lent, particularly the idea of preparation for Easter, intrigues me.
Every year, we spend much time in preparation for Christmas. We decorate elaborately (what else would you call bringing a tree into your house?), listen to special holiday music, purchase and wrap gifts for each other, and count down the days to when we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Christmas is great, and an important Christian holiday, but I would argue that Easter is the most important holiday in the Christian calendar. It is the day Jesus conquered death itself and ransomed us from sin!
Easter has its traditional methods of celebration. Many dress up for church that morning; there is usually a special meal planned; and an egg hunt is usually scheduled sometime in the preceding couple weeks. But I think Easter deserves more. Christ’s resurrection is the single greatest event in human history. Why wouldn’t we go all out in preparing for and celebrating it?
There are many ways one could prepare for and begin celebrating Easter. You could follow Lenten tradition by choosing to give up something (it doesn’t have to be food!), taking time to pray on a regular walk, or giving your time or finances to a charity. You could choose to do something less traditional and put together an Easter playlist to listen to or decorate with whatever feels most Easter to you. Focusing on the life of Christ and reading through the Gospels is a great lead up to Easter.
The point is to be intentional about preparing your heart to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. Don’t let Easter sneak up on you. It doesn’t have to be perfect or look the same as somebody else. But I encourage you to put in a little more time and effort to celebrate the foundation of our faith.
So, how will you celebrate Easter this year?
--Concetta Swann
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