Easter Thought

Today is Easter Sunday, and a thought has been troubling me. Why is it that Easter isn't NEARLY as appreciated/celebrated/hyped that Christmas is? Don't get me wrong. Christmas is incredibly important. The birth of Christ to the Virgin Mother is phenomenal, and worth celebration. But why isn't Easter also thought of in the same vein? After all, the Resurrection of Christ from the dead is truly an amazing act. In fact, I think it is the most important act in the Bible, and the entire reason for Christianity. If Jesus had not risen from the grave, how would he have been any different from anyone else who was born, and then died? Even his crucifixion, while gruesome, wasn't unique. The Romans had executed many prisoners in this way. But to rise from the dead? To re-animate flesh? That is the amazing feat. It is the reason for Christianity - to be born again like Jesus into the loving arms of God in Heaven.

Why is this day not celebrated like Christmas? I'll give you one reason - PRESENTS! No one gives presents at Easter, save for baskets of chocolates for kids. There is no "Easter Season" like there is the "Christmas Season". There is no countdown until the Easter Bunny arrives. You can take your children to see the Easter Bunny at the mall, but is there REALLY that sense of excitement in seeing him as there is in seeing Santa Claus? Of course not. It all comes down to commercialization. Christmas isn't about the birth of the Baby Jesus, but about how many toasters we can buy for our co-workers. As I'd said before, the birth is just an afterthought.

In a way, I'm glad that Easter hasn't gotten bogged down with the absolute nonsense of "Present Taking". It does leave the holiday alone to be a celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. I just wish that everyone would take time to truly think about what that means.