Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you while he was still with you in Galilee: The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again. Then they remembered his words.” (Luke 24: 5-8)

Christians all over the world are one today as we commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is the bedrock of our Christian faith. Without the resurrection, its message would be useless and our faith would be in vain.

The Story

Easter was not always a Christian holiday. It has very definite pagan roots and was named after Eastre, the Anglo Saxon Goddess of Spring. It was a salute to life renewed, a gush of joy after a cold and lifeless winter.

Researchers say that despite of its pagan origin, the feast continued to be celebrated, after zealous missionaries allowed their new converts to do so—as long as they did so in a “Christian manner.” It was their way of spreading the message, without strife. Today we call that “soft sell.”

And then came the Easter bunny, a rabbit spirit from America, and we made him our own. We learned to enjoy Easter egg hunts and gather as many decorated chocolate-filled (or hard-boiled) eggs in lovely baskets.

Why eggs?

The Romans of old believed that “all life comes from an egg” and that the egg is the seed of life. In later years, it became one of the symbols of the Resurrection.

Why we paint and embellish the eggs has no religious reason documented in history. But in ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece and Persia, eggs were dyed for the celebration of spring, and in medieval Europe the most exquisite ones were given away as gifts to special people.

Egg rolls

Every year children from all over America, ages 12 and under, are invited to participate in “egg-rolling” on the lawn of the White House. Dolly Madison, wife of James Madison, fourth president of the United States, started this tradition in the 19th century. It was a “spin-off” of a game played by kids in Egypt. They rolled eggs against the pyramids. British settlers brought the custom to the New World.

Mrs. Madison had the kids roll the eggs against the new Capitol Building. The games were later moved when the caretakers of the Capitol complained that the children were ruining their lawn. Except during the war years, Easter egg rolling is an annual tradition held on the front lawn of the White House.

In England and Germany where it earned early popularity, the game symbolized the rock that was rolled away from the tomb of Jesus.

For the last 100 years, the annual Easter Parade literally stops traffic in Manhattan. Fifth Avenue is closed from 10 a.m. for about six hours, and the freewheeling, quite unorganized super colorful parade “just happens.”

Visitors from all over the world come to the Big Apple to participate. People are dressed in whatever they fancy, from elegant to ridiculous, historical, old fashioned or haute couture. The variety is stunning. There are no floats or marching bands. The focus is on Easter hats, and participants leisurely saunter down the street, showing off their headdresses. The parade starts outside St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

I have watched from a sidewalk, every time wishing I could join them. I could have worn my “Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it.” Sad to say, I never dared. Besides, I look awful in a hat.

The colors

I love the colors of Easter: green like the budding leaves, for hope and renewal of life; yellow for the bright sunshine; and brushes of pink and lavender to announce that a new day has dawned.

What colors would you use for Easter in this troubled and uncertain world? Soft hues and gentle strokes cannot describe the carnage and cruelty of our times.

How can you paint the despair of parents holding their dead child?

And in the midst of our brokenness, we consider Christ’s death on the cross and His resurrection. And we ask: How do we start mending? What will it take to turn it all around?

The Plan

Last Sunday I wrote about Walkway. I went with friends and I found the answer there. Let me share it with you.

“Do you see it? Have you noticed? The world is broken. The world has been hacked into pieces and taken apart, bit by bit.

“But all is not lost, because God has a plan.

“Jesus is the plan.

“But there’s more. We are the body of Christ.

“Perhaps His plan has always also been us. Perhaps we are the ones called to make things whole again. Perhaps you are a very important part of this fractured earth’s healing.

“We come together today to remember. All is not lost.

“The cracks of the jar are going to get filled; and not just with anything—but with gold.

“This right here is how the world gets fixed. It happens when we come together. When we become God’s hands, His eyes and feet, for those who need it, when we become the embodiment of Love.

“Keep your eyes open because you just might miss it. We are here together, and that means hope is on the move.”

Happy Easter!