Easter is a time of hope and renewal as Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of eternal life. The holiday is observed on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the Spring Equinox, which typically falls between March 22 and April 25.
The Holy Bible describes in several books of the New Testament the resurrection of Jesus, including the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) and in the letters of the apostles. Here is a brief overview of some of the key events of the resurrection:
After being arrested, Jesus was tried and condemned to death by crucifixion. His body was then placed in a tomb that was sealed with a large stone.
On the third day after Jesus' crucifixion, some of his followers went to the tomb to anoint his body with spices. Upon arrival, they found the tomb empty, and the stone that had sealed it was rolled away.
Over the course of several days, Jesus appeared to his followers in various places and at various times. He spoke with them, ate with them, and showed them his wounds to prove that he had been resurrected.
According to the Bible, the resurrection was witnessed by many people, including Mary Magdalene, His Apostles, and more than 500 people at once.
The resurrection is a powerful confirmation of Jesus' claims to be the Son of God and the Messiah, and it served as the foundation of the Christian faith.
Read about what Jesus said to his followers after his resurrection.
The word "Easter" is derived from the Old English word "Ēastre," which referred to the springtime festival celebrating the pagan goddess of fertility and rebirth, known as Ēostre. Over time, the meaning of Easter evolved to become specifically associated with the Christian holiday, rather than the pagan festival.
Today, Easter is one of the most important holidays on the Christian calendar and is celebrated by Christians all over the world.
Easter is a happy celebration where many Christians attend church services, sing hymns, and participate in various Easter traditions. The resurrection of Christ is a miraculous and transformative event that changed the course of history and continues to inspire people to this day. Learn about the 40 days of Lent leading up to Easter.
Autumn invites us to pause, to give thanks for the harvest of our lives, and to trust in the quiet work of change. Just as the trees let go of their leaves, may we learn to release what no longer serves us, and open our hearts to the beauty of what is being renewed. This article features a prayer for use with Anglican Prayer Beads to guide your heart through the autumn season.
