Compiled by Angela Mutiso
Putting Easter into Context
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. Nicene Creed
Easter is a momentous event in Christianity, representing hope, renewal, and the victory of life over death. Easter is observed annually in the Christian calendar. It is normally a time of deep reflection as we remember the suffering of Christ. It is the most significant period in the Christian calendar and the holiest time of the year for
Christians.
It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as pronounced in the New Testament of the Bible. It portrays a conclusion of the Holy Week, which commences on Palm Sunday and encompasses Maundy Thursday, commemorating the Last Supper, while Good Friday observes the crucifixion.
Lent
When you think of Easter, Lent certainly comes to mind. Lent is a 40-day period of reflection and preparation before Easter in the Christian calendar. (During this time, many people observe the holy period through fasting and penance). For some, it begins on Ash Wednesday, six and a half weeks before Easter, and ends with the Holy Week, which leads to Easter Sunday. Lent imitates Jesus Christ’s fasting in the wilderness before he began his public ministry. Christians replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days by observing Lent (BBC). This is a time when a number of people give up certain luxuries as some spiritual discipline. Others choose to eat less, study the Bible together and give to charity.
The Holy Week
Minno gives us an uncomplicated overview about Easter – extracts;
- Holy Week narrates the final days of Jesus’ life including his death, burial, and resurrection.
- Holy Week symbolizes the final week of the season of Lent and it recounts the final days of Christ’s life, as well as his death, burial, and resurrection.
- The first Sunday of Holy Week is Palm Sunday, which recalls Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
- Maundy Thursday is the fifth day of Holy Week leading up to Easter, which recalls the Last Supper with Jesus and His disciples.
- The most important occurrence of the Church Calendar is Easter Sunday. On this day Christians rejoice over Christ’s resurrection from the dead. Not only has Christ paid for our sins on the cross, but He has triumphed over death!
What are your own thoughts about Easter?
Easter touches people in diverse ways;
Martha confesses that even though she feels close to God whenever she prays, the feeling is stronger during Easter. “It is the time for me to give most of my time to Him and make sacrifices for Him. It is the time for me to show my love to Him through deep prayer, humility and love for others. It is when I show Him how much I appreciate Him and tell Him how grateful I am for all the blessings he has bestowed upon me and my family.”
Ernest asserts that he is always happy during Easter. He relishes the sacrifices he makes during Lent. He notes; “It is healthy, affirms endurance, and brings you closer to God.”
Meanwhile, Joseph Nyash admits that it is rare to see him sober. Yet, during Easter, he abstains. It is a joy to see Joseph clear-headed; A testimony to his great sacrifice. Joseph acknowledges that alcohol is what he loves most. But for the love of his maker, he cannot indulge during Lent.
Generally, this is a time to detox yourself from evil thoughts, bad deeds, and sinfulness and to do good to others. You are reminded of how Christ suffered, and died for us and of His resurrection. It is a good time to ask yourself what you can do to show gratitude and renew your spiritual self.
Many Christians speak of the value of forgiveness at this time. Januarius, a staunch Catholic says- during this period, he cannot go to bed at night when he is angry with anyone. He starts the season with an attitude of gratitude and forgiveness and ensures that before he goes to sleep every night during Lent, he pardons all those who have wronged him.
The message of forgiveness is reinforced by Spd, Dr. James Khaemba; he talks about the power of forgiveness… He says… (Ecclesiastes.7.9) Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.
Sometimes we need a little reminder that the best gift we can give others and ourselves is forgiveness. We can follow the example of Jesus and offer others forgiveness as He forgives us of our daily sins. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other. For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. ” Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Today choose to forgive someone. Do this by acknowledging your emotions about the harm done to you, recognize how those emotions affect your behaviour, and work to release them. Choose to forgive the person who offended you. Release the control and power that the offending person and situation have had in your life.
How are Easter dates determined? How is it marked?
Easter dates change every year and are determined by the lunar calendar, falling on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. This puts the date somewhere between late March and late April in the Gregorian calendar.
Easter Sunday is characteristically observed through delightful festivities in churches all over the world. Many attend special church services, where the resurrection narrative is reiterated through scripture readings, hymns, and sermons. The spirit is jubilant and there is a feeling of thankfulness for the central precept of Christian faith—the certainty in Jesus’ resurrection.
Secular customs have entwined with Easter traditions over time. These include the Easter Bunny, illustrating fertility and new life, and Easter egg hunts, Eggs, are symbolic because they represent a fresh start and the empty tomb of Jesus after his resurrection.
Celebratory foods vary across cultures. In Kenya, people often prepare chicken, chapati, and rice. Kenyans love traditional vegetables, fish and meat, roasted or boiled, fresh kachumbari, and a hot, moderately burned Ugali. The meat roasting frenzy is typical here. In addition, fresh seasonal fruits usually adorn many tables with fresh juices. Lamb was loved during this period because of its significance. Today, we are also baking Easter cakes and treating our families to cross buns and eggs specially made for the occasion.
Families love Easter gatherings because, during these periods, they meet to reminisce over Jesus’ death and resurrection. It is a shared feeling irrespective of one’s religious beliefs; it is also a time of hope and a reminder of our mortality.
Finally, hymnary.org. reflects on an interesting song by Isaac Watts. the son of a schoolmaster, who was born in Southampton, July 17, 1674. The song is titled ‘when I survey the wondrous cross.’ The story goes that before Watts crafted this song that has become a classic, he had complained about the deteriorating quality of hymns at that time. So, his father challenged him to sit down and write a hymn instead. That is when he came up with this masterpiece. This hymn, is known as Watts’ crowning achievement. Although “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” was intended originally as a communion hymn, it gives us plenty to contemplate during Lent as our focus is on the cross Christ. Actually, the first and third stanzas really bring out the spirit of Easter.
The first one reads…
When I survey the wondrous Cross
On which the Prince of Glory died,
My richest gain I count but Loss,
And pour Contempt on all my Pride.
Then…
See from his Head, his Hands, his Feet,
Sorrow and Love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such Love and Sorrow meet,
Or Thorns compose so rich a Crown!
When you ponder over these powerful, insightful and meaningful words, you appreciate that life is fragile. Should we consider handling it with prayer?
Happy Easter!
The writer is the Editorial Consultant of the Accountant Journal.
