Easter Musings

While watching the news this morning it occurred to me that everyone was using the word Easter.  All the newscasters were using it, and also every commercial that was broadcasted mentioned their Easter sales.  Many restaurants were advertising their lovely dinners, etc.  I kind of liked it.

I watched Easter services from around the globe, hearing people talk about church, even hearing the phrase--Christ is risen.  Yes, I heard that too, from broadcast television.  At first, I was stunned.  Did they just say that on the news?  Christ is risen?  Huh.

I think I was so surprised because I had just become somewhat accustomed to hearing the word holiday over and over again during Christmas time.  Holiday tree, holiday sales, holiday everything.  And yet--the word Easter not holiday was used this morning.  I'm not complaining--I'm just pondering this bit of information and trying to figure out why.  Why is it so different?  Why does the word Christmas offend, while the word Easter does not?  I'm a little confused.

It seems that no one (at least in the secular world) wants to talk about the birth of Christ and yet everyone (at least in the secular world) talks about His resurrection.  Can a person believe in one without the other?  I've heard more about the resurrection of Christ via television this past week than I've heard in a long time.  And I don't watch religious TV.  So I am baffled.

I was told by the media et al, that all the world wants to celebrate Christmas, er, I mean holiday time.  They want to share in the gift-giving, meal planning, lights, and decorations, but please do not offend them with the C word.  Nope, do not even call that silly old tree a Christmas tree--it is now a holiday tree henceforth.  

So, can you understand my confusion?  Why is Easter so different?  I do believe that Christians celebrate both equally, and so does the secular world, with Santa and the Easter bunny running neck and neck.  Also noted this morning was the sale of candy--with Easter candy sales even topping those candy sales of Halloween!  What?

And guess what else I found out?  Most major retailers are closed today!  Closed!  I did find some pharmacies that are open though.  I checked.  However, don't you remember all the stores that were vowing to stay open on Christmas Day for those last minute shoppers?  I do.  

All this information is messing with my little pea brain.  It's about to explode with all the questions I have swirling around inside.  Why is Easter so much easier than Christmas for the world to hear about?  

I wonder, is it because it contains hope?  Hope that one day Christ will return for His church?  Hope because He really did arise from the dead?  Hope because at Christmas He was just a baby, but at Easter, He was a man--a man who could really save us?  I don't know.  Maybe it's just too hard for some to believe or even care about a little baby--maybe that's why they are offended by the word Christmas.  I'm not sure.  However, how can one be offended by the word Easter, when Christ is offering hope and life to all?

Yes, maybe that is my conclusion.  Jesus who rose from the dead--is the one who saves us from death.  He is our hope, our salvation, and our peace.  There isn't one thing "holiday" about it.  

It's Easter.  And not just for Christians--it's Easter for all.  Hope for all.  Christ for all who believe. 

Maybe the thought of hope is an easier pill to swallow.  Maybe believing in a baby is just too much to ask of some.  

This Easter, I will try to remember that--as I go out today for lunch with my grandkids.  I will try hard to share God's love for this fallen world, I will try my hardest to be like Jesus and pray for those around me.  Maybe in some small way via a smile or kind word, I can reflect the love of Christ and show them what Easter is really all about.  Maybe I can give someone a little bit of hope today.