Some Christians are sincerely concerned about weekends like Easter, or Christmas. An evident pagan overtones and commercialization cause sincere believers sidestep these holidays. Certainly the Western date of Easter has more to do with pagan German observance of spring goddess Eastre, always pictured with a bunny-rabbit, than with resurrection of Jesus. There are also connections to Babylonian fertility goddess Ishtar (Biblical spelling Astarte).
The controversy over the date and rite of celebration goes back to the 3rd century, just 200 years after Christ’s death and resurrection, when Roman bishop Victor excommunicated bishop Polycrates of Ephesus and the rest of the bishops of Asia Minor for their adherence to the Jewish date of Passover celebration on the 14th day of Nissan.
A gentile-dominated early church did everything possible to become non-Jewish, often going to heretical extremes. Jewish Passover, during which Jesus was crucified, and rose from the grave will be celebrated this year April 20th, a whole month apart.
So! What does it have to do with us, today?!
Reclamation! The process of reclaiming something from loss, or from a less useful condition.
Since the fall of Adam and Eve, devil tries to put his mark, his label, his stain on everything, everywhere, all the time. If possible he would take everyday of the year and turn it into nonsense. Ancient Israel had to deal with it first hand – reclaiming not only land, but holidays, music, songs, symbols, customs from neighbouring nations and giving it a new meaning for their people.
On a weekend like this, when the authorities give all statutory holidays, and families have a chance to come together – take it and make it useful for God. As I drove earlier on Clarke Road I noticed that the Royal View Pentecostal Church has an ad on their sign “Egg-hunt.” Some may be very concerned that the church is doing a “pagan” ritual. But, who says it’s “pagan”? Here’s a church that is going out of their way to create an atmosphere of fun for their kids, who’s is focused on investing time into their children.
Last week we’ve been communicating that some 80 from over a 100 youth that were brought up in our church family are not walking with us, are not attending our church fellowship by their choice. During weekends like this – you have prime opportunity to influence them, as they come home for a visit. What are you planning for this weekend? How will you reclaim this Easter for Christ? How will you use the time available for your children, grandchildren, that they may know more of god, His love, and Christ’s work of Salvation? When people interact wit you this weekend, what will they see in your house?
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