Monday, April 13, 2009

Easter -A celebration of the death, burial and ressurrection

Yesterday was Easter, and it is a lengthy tradition that the nation (including the federal government) honors that special event with a holiday.Since 1971, the Monday following Easter has been observed as the official day of commemoration, but as early as 1776, signer of the Declaration Robert Treat Paine noted in his diary (April 8) that Congress did not meet on the Monday following Easter; and to this day, Congressmen still refer to the weekend holiday as the "Easter Recess."

Celebrating holidays is a practice with Biblical origins. God told the nation to set aside certain days every year as memorials, or holidays (e.g., Exodus 23:14, 17). The purpose of those memorials (i.e., holidays) was two-fold: (1) to stop on that day and remember what God had done for them; and (2) to teach their children and the rising generation about the importance of that day. (This two-fold practice is applicable not only for Easter but for all other holidays as well, including New Years, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.)Today, as much of the nation will abstain from work in honor of Easter, let's also remember to extend the significance of Easter beyond yesterday's church service.

Here are a few Scriptural thoughts about Easter to keep its memory fresh today:

He is not here! He is risen, just as He said! MATTHEW 28:6
This Jesus has God raised up, of which we all are witnesses. ACTS 2:32
Jesus was declared to be the Son of God with power, by the resurrection from the dead. ROMANS 1:4
Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures: He was buried and He rose again the third day – all according to the Scriptures. 1 CORINTHIANS 15:3-4
Remember that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. 2 TIMOTHY 2:8

Happy Easter and remember those who celebrate holidays are those who indirectly acknowledge Christ whether they know it or not!

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