Every year, millions of people celebrate Easter. For many, it’s a day spent celebrating the beginning of spring, and it centers around egg hunts, family gatherings, Easter baskets—and of course, lots of sweets.
But Easter represents something much bigger. It’s the celebration of an event that changed history and impacts lives to this day. What’s the real reason we celebrate Easter, and why does it matter now?
What Is Easter?
When Jesus was crucified, it felt like the end. His followers had hoped he would be the promised Savior—the one who would triumph over evil and restore what was broken in the world (Isaiah 9:6-7). Instead, they saw him humiliated, executed, and buried. The hopes and dreams they had pinned on Jesus’ life were gone in an instant, replaced by fear and grief.
Hope Was Lost...
We all know what it’s like to feel hopeless. If you’ve ever lost something—a loved one, a dream you were chasing, an outcome you were hoping for—you know how Jesus’ followers were feeling. You can relate to the weight of their loss, the questions they must have had about what it all meant, and the fear of what would come next.
But three days later, everything changed. Jesus’ tomb was empty. The people who were grieving his death were encountering him alive (Matthew 28:1-10). The same Jesus who had died was now alive again!
...But Not For Long
Easter is the ultimate symbol of hope restored. It’s more than just remembering the day Jesus came back to life. Where death and evil seemed to have the final word, something radically new had begun: a way to be forgiven, renewed, and restored.
Easter vs. Resurrection Sunday—Is There a Difference?
You may have heard Easter called “Resurrection Sunday,” especially if you know Christians or have been to church. But why the different names? Are they referring to two different celebrations?
What Does “Easter” Mean?
We don’t know for sure where the name “Easter” came from. Some theorize that was derived from the name of the Anglo-Saxon goddess, Eostre—who represented spring and fertility. Over time, the name became associated with the Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus.
Does That Mean Easter Is a Pagan Holiday?
If the name “Easter” was based on a pagan goddess, does that make Easter a holiday with pagan origins?
The short answer: the Christian celebration of Easter has always been about Jesus’ resurrection.
Early Christians began commemorating the resurrection within the first few centuries after Jesus’ death. The timing of the celebration was connected to the Jewish Passover season, which is when the events of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection took place. Unlike Christmas, which we celebrate on December 25 despite not knowing when Jesus was actually born, Easter is tied to the real time of year when Jesus died on the cross and came back from the dead.
Why Do Some People Call It “Resurrection Sunday” Instead?
According to the Bible, Jesus was crucified and died on a Friday (Mark 15:42). After Jesus was executed by crucifixion, his followers believed their hopes had died with him. But according to the accounts recorded in the Bible, Jesus appeared alive to many people the Sunday after he was killed. That’s why some Christians call Easter “Resurrection Sunday”—because the celebration is truly about Jesus returning from the dead and restoring hope.
Why Do We Celebrate Easter?
Christians celebrate Easter because Jesus rose from the dead—and his resurrection opened the door for people everywhere to experience forgiveness, freedom, and a new life with God. Easter is worth celebrating because it confirms three things:
- Jesus is who he claimed to be. The resurrection validates Jesus’ claim to be the Son of God
- Sin and death were defeated. Christians believe Jesus’ death paid the cost of sin, and his resurrection shows that death no longer has the final say (Romans 8:3).
- New life with God is possible. Through Jesus, people can experience forgiveness and a restored relationship with God (John 3:16).
It’s not just something that happened years ago. The resurrection represents the possibility of real change and lasting hope today. It means:
- Hope isn’t just wishful thinking
The same power that raised Jesus from the dead can bring you new life today (Ephesians 1:19-20).
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If you’re looking for a place to celebrate Easter this year, we’d love to see you at LCBC Church! Find a location near you or join us online—plan your visit here!
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