While the Bible doesn’t specifically command Christians to celebrate Easter, it places great importance on the resurrection of Jesus Christ—an event central to the faith. Scriptures like Matthew 28 and 1 Corinthians 15 clearly affirm the resurrection as the cornerstone of Christian hope. Although the term “Easter” and some traditions associated with it have roots in pre-Christian festivals, the early Church commemorated Jesus’ resurrection around the time of Passover, seeing Him as the fulfillment of the Passover Lamb.
Over time, Easter evolved into a dedicated celebration of the resurrection, with various cultures developing their own customs. Whether or not a believer chooses to observe Easter is a matter of personal conviction, as Paul notes in Romans 14. What matters most is keeping Christ at the center—remembering His victory over sin and death. Keep reading for a deeper dive into the biblical context, historical development, and practical ways to honor the resurrection meaningfully.
Easter is one of the most significant holidays in the Christian calendar, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But have you ever wondered if the Bible actually says anything about celebrating Easter? Let’s explore this topic together and see what the Scriptures reveal.
The Origins of Easter
Easter, as we know it today, has its roots in both Christian and pre-Christian traditions. The term “Easter” itself comes from Eostre, a pagan festival celebrating the spring equinox. As Christianity spread, early Christians adapted this festival to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, which took place around the Jewish Passover.
Biblical References to the Resurrection
While the Bible doesn’t specifically mention “Easter,” it does emphasize the importance of Jesus’ resurrection. Here are a few key verses:
- Matthew 28:5-6: “The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.'”
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
These verses underscore the centrality of the resurrection in Christian faith, but they don’t prescribe a specific celebration.
Early Christian Practices
The early Christians did commemorate Jesus’ resurrection, but their practices were quite different from modern Easter traditions. They celebrated it during the Jewish Passover, recognizing Jesus as the Passover Lamb who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).
Acts 12:4 mentions Herod arresting Peter during the “days of unleavened bread,” which is linked to Passover. The word “Easter” in some translations (like the King James Version) is actually a translation of the Greek word “Pascha,” which means Passover.
The Evolution of Easter Celebrations
Over time, as Christianity spread and became more distinct from Judaism, the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection shifted to a separate day, which we now call Easter Sunday. This evolution was formalized at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, which established Easter’s date as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox.
Should Christians Celebrate Easter?
Given that the Bible doesn’t command or forbid the celebration of Easter, whether or not to celebrate it is a matter of personal conviction. Here are a few considerations:
1. Remember the Resurrection
Regardless of how you choose to observe it, the most important thing is to remember and reflect on the resurrection of Jesus. Paul emphasizes this in Romans 14:5-6: “One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord.”
2. Avoid Pagan Influences
Some argue against celebrating Easter because of its pagan origins. While it’s true that some Easter traditions, like the Easter bunny and eggs, have pagan roots, you can choose to focus solely on the resurrection of Christ. Colossians 2:16-17 advises, “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”
3. Unity in Diversity
Christians around the world celebrate Easter in various ways. In some cultures, it’s a grand event with special church services, meals, and community gatherings. In others, it’s more subdued. The key is to respect each other’s practices and focus on the shared belief in the resurrection. Ephesians 4:3 encourages us to “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Practical Ways to Celebrate Easter
If you decide to celebrate Easter, here are some meaningful ways to do so:
- Attend a Church Service: Many churches hold special services to commemorate Jesus’ resurrection. This can be a powerful time of worship and reflection.
- Read the Resurrection Story: Spend time reading the accounts of Jesus’ resurrection in the Gospels (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20-21).
- Family Traditions: Create family traditions that focus on the resurrection. This could include special meals, activities, or crafts that emphasize the biblical story.
- Acts of Service: Reflect Jesus’ love by serving others. This could be volunteering, helping a neighbor, or donating to those in need.
Conclusion
The Bible doesn’t explicitly tell us to celebrate Easter, but it does call us to remember and proclaim the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Whether or not you choose to celebrate Easter, the focus should always be on Jesus’ victory over death and the hope it brings to all believers. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:20: “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
So, celebrate in a way that honors God, encourages your faith, and builds up those around you. After all, the resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith, a cause for joy and hope every day of the year.
Does the Bible Say to Celebrate Easter?
Easter is one of the most significant holidays in the Christian calendar, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But does the Bible actually say anything about celebrating Easter? Let’s explore this topic together and see what the Scriptures reveal.
The Origins of Easter
Easter, as we know it today, has its roots in both Christian and pre-Christian traditions. The term “Easter” itself comes from Eostre, a pagan festival celebrating the spring equinox. As Christianity spread, early Christians adapted this festival to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, which took place around the Jewish Passover.
Biblical References to the Resurrection
While the Bible doesn’t specifically mention “Easter,” it does emphasize the importance of Jesus’ resurrection. Here are a few key verses:
- Matthew 28:5-6: “The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.'”
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
These verses underscore the centrality of the resurrection in Christian faith, but they don’t prescribe a specific celebration.
Early Christian Practices
The early Christians did commemorate Jesus’ resurrection, but their practices were quite different from modern Easter traditions. They celebrated it during the Jewish Passover, recognizing Jesus as the Passover Lamb who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).
Acts 12:4 mentions Herod arresting Peter during the “days of unleavened bread,” which is linked to Passover. The word “Easter” in some translations (like the King James Version) is actually a translation of the Greek word “Pascha,” which means Passover.
The Evolution of Easter Celebrations
Over time, as Christianity spread and became more distinct from Judaism, the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection shifted to a separate day, which we now call Easter Sunday. This evolution was formalized at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, which established Easter’s date as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox.
Should Christians Celebrate Easter?
Given that the Bible doesn’t command or forbid the celebration of Easter, whether or not to celebrate it is a matter of personal conviction. Here are a few considerations:
1. Remember the Resurrection
Regardless of how you choose to observe it, the most important thing is to remember and reflect on the resurrection of Jesus. Paul emphasizes this in Romans 14:5-6: “One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord.”
2. Avoid Pagan Influences
Some argue against celebrating Easter because of its pagan origins. While it’s true that some Easter traditions, like the Easter bunny and eggs, have pagan roots, you can choose to focus solely on the resurrection of Christ. Colossians 2:16-17 advises, “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”
3. Unity in Diversity
Christians around the world celebrate Easter in various ways. In some cultures, it’s a grand event with special church services, meals, and community gatherings. In others, it’s more subdued. The key is to respect each other’s practices and focus on the shared belief in the resurrection. Ephesians 4:3 encourages us to “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Practical Ways to Celebrate Easter
If you decide to celebrate Easter, here are some meaningful ways to do so:
- Attend a Church Service: Many churches hold special services to commemorate Jesus’ resurrection. This can be a powerful time of worship and reflection.
- Read the Resurrection Story: Spend time reading the accounts of Jesus’ resurrection in the Gospels (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20-21).
- Family Traditions: Create family traditions that focus on the resurrection. This could include special meals, activities, or crafts that emphasize the biblical story.
- Acts of Service: Reflect Jesus’ love by serving others. This could be volunteering, helping a neighbor, or donating to those in need.
The Bible doesn’t explicitly tell us to celebrate Easter, but it does call us to remember and proclaim the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Whether or not you choose to celebrate Easter, the focus should always be on Jesus’ victory over death and the hope it brings to all believers. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:20: “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
So, celebrate in a way that honors God, encourages your faith, and builds up those around you. After all, the resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith, a cause for joy and hope every day of the year.
