Knights Of Columbus Santa Maria Council #105
The Meaning of Easter
Easter isn’t about cute little bunnies or fluffy chicks, or
baskets of candy; nor does it have anything to do with
colorful Easter eggs (although an egg can represent ‘new
life’ because new life from the egg, symbolizes Christ’s
resurrection).
The true meaning of Easter is Jesus Christ's victory over death.
His resurrection symbolizes the eternal life that is granted to
all who believe in Him. Easter also symbolizes the complete
verification of all that Jesus preached and taught during His
three-year ministry. If He had not risen from the dead, if He
had merely died and not been resurrected, He would have
been considered just another teacher or Rabbi. However, His
resurrection gave final and irrefutable proof that He was really the Son of God and that He had conquered death once
and for all.
In Old Testament times, the priest would bring bulls, goats or a spotless lamb without any blemishes to be sacrificed as a sin offering for himself and for the people. The blood would purify and make atonement (make amends) for the sins of the people. This was the old order of atonement. When Jesus came, He was a representation of the sacrificial lamb to take away the sins of the world. He was the final sacrifice. We no longer have to sacrifice animals to make atonement for our sins. Jesus’ blood cleanses us from all sin. He was crucified on the cross (the form of execution in those days). The sin of the world was upon Him, yet He was without sin and blameless, but He bore it all. This is why Jesus is referred to as the ‘Lamb of God’. He was bodily resurrected on the third day. He appeared to many – eating and drinking with them. He appeared to them for 40 days, then ascended up to Heaven.
The concept that God loves us so deeply that he would not only send His Son to preach and instruct us during His three-year ministry, but also would allow His Son to be sacrificed on the cross for our sins is beautiful. God sent his Son, who bore no sin, to live among us sinners, to teach us how to atone for our sins, to show us the path to salvation. And, in the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus was crucified and died upon the cross for us. But, Christ’s resurrection showed us that He had conquered death, and by becoming followers of His teachings, we, too, could have eternal life.
Today, the meaning of Easter, for million of Christians, is that of honoring and recognizing Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead, and His glorious promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him. This Easter, take a moment to reflect upon the true meaning of Easter.
Reference:
http://www.allaboutjesuschrist.org/the-meaning-of-easter-faq.htm
http://www.heavensinspirations.com/meaning-of-easter2.html