Easter is early this year. We will be celebrating it on the last day of March. Of the many holidays (holy-days) that appear on our calendar, this is the supreme event for followers of Christ. This is the World Cup of Christian holidays. And yet … it often isn’t celebrated by Christians in that manner. Christmas is the king of holidays for most Christians in our North American culture. Why is that?
We need to own up to a consumerism that can corrupt and co-opt our walk with Christ. There is a degree of self-interest that enjoys a baby born in a manger more than a death and resurrection. The gift-giving theme of Christmas is far more marketable than the self-sacrificing death of Good Friday. How much of this consumer mentality actually causes us to celebrate Christmas over Easter?
Christmas is comparatively nothing without Easter. Jesus knew He was born to die for us. Christmas without Easter is like any other visit by royalty — brief and exciting but without lasting merit. Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection are at the heart of Christianity. Paul preached Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor. 1:23, 2:2). Paul knew that all of life revolved around being crucified with Christ and Christ living through him (Gal. 2:20; Phil. 3:10).
I pray that by the end of March, we will be celebrating Easter like never before — not with a new consumerism but with a new heart. I pray we will be able to separate the consumeristic influence of the world from our Christianity. I look forward to a passionate pursuit of God that would reveal Christ’s Passion to those around us. I’m excited to see the stone of consumerism rolled away from our lives and Jesus breaking forth.
Journeying with you,
Pastor Merril
Thoughts from Freedom Centre Church's pastoral staff to encourage and/or challenge you.
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