Three reasons to celebrate Easter

By Rob Hurtgen

Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. The entire Christian faith hinges on the events of Easter. The bible itself goes so far to say that if the resurrection were not a reality, then faith would be pointless (1 Corinthians 15:14). Easter encompasses much. The following are three of the many benefits of Easter.

Easter is new life. Spring is beginning to bloom. The tulip bulbs buried in the fall are pushing up fresh green. Sparrows, robins and other birds are gathering twigs, bits of grass, and other materials, constructing their nests to cradle new eggs. Small, fuzzy rabbits are darting back and forth across the road. New life is everywhere. Easter is new life. Easter is the old life removed and a new life in Jesus beginning (Romans 6:4).

Easter is new hope. If there ever was a day when new hope was needed it is today. Families are in turmoil. Relationships seem to carry more stress and are easier to fracture than they used to be. The global economy appears disproportioned and distressed illustrated by the most expensive house in the world overlooking the largest slum in the world in Mumbai, India. In one corner of the world, people are starving while in the other food is going to waste. Governments and parties of all shapes and sizes seem to be unable to respond at the pace main street needs. If there ever was a day a new hope was needed it is today. Though, I fear every generation says that of their day.

Easter is a new hope. Easter calls those of faith to look and live for a kingdom that is here and has not yet come. Easter presses those of faith to act in hope doing their very best to make today better knowing so much more awaits in eternity (Hebrews 11:14-16).

Easter is a new day. This year I celebrate my forty-fourth Easter. Thirty-six Easters as a person of faith. Whether Easter Sunday wears a blanket of snow or possesses the smell of fresh spring rain, each one carries the feel of a new day.

Some of us would like a "do over," a new start, a new day. In faith, God removes the old and makes all things new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Easter is not just another day; it is a new day, new hope and a new beginning.