The Real Reason for Easter

We will soon be celebrating the real reason for Jesus Christ's being born. It's not about the eggs!

Jesus Christ was born in a manger to a simple peasant girl named Mary. Her husband, Joseph, a carpenter, was simply there to support the work of the Lord, and the woman he was betrothed to. There's nothing special about that. Most men are with the woman they are married to, to support her the best way he knows how as she brings a new life into this world.

The difference: this was not his child. No, this child was to be very special to all mankind. His job would be to save the world.

He would not do this in a cape, flying through the air. He wouldn't use x-ray vision, or any other "super powers" we otherwise associate with super heroes.

This man would rescue a world covered in sin, by covering it with His blood.

Jesus Christ was on a mission. He had to redeem a people who would turn against him. And even kill him.

Jesus walked among men and women healing many, delivering more from demons, feeding thousands, and yet they would kill him in accordance with the Scriptures.

It was a great day when He was born. But it was greater yet, when He died on that cross on that hill called Calvary.

After being betrayed by Judas Iscariot; after being humiliated in front of his followers, being stripped of His dignity by Herod - he endured the pain of the cross. He hanged there an entire day, body racked with pain, he shed His blood for all mankind.

He didn't have to do it.

He could called on angels and removed himself from the cross. He could have called the whole thing off.

He didn't.

Instead, he stayed there, hanging between to sinners who mocked him, and below him were the guards responsible for placing Him there, and all he could do was say, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).

The greatest sacrifice ever known, has been relegated to nothing more than an excuse to buy new outfits for children that will grow out of them before next Easter comes around. Its value is just another way for greeting card companies to make millions of dollars, and groceries stores to cash in on lamb cakes, Easter flowers and big dinners for the family.

Oh yeah. And the Easter Bunny and his eggs.

If Christ had not died on the cross, we could not claim victory over death and sin. More importantly, if He had not risen two days later, we would not have access to a Father who loves us more than his own son. He did sacrifice his only begotten Son so that the world could believe on Him and have eternal life. When was the last time anyone did anything like that for you?

Easter is to be celebrated in a greater way than Christmas because all of us were born. Many of us are still alive only by of the grace of God.

Yes, we all will die someday. Some sooner than later. But, how many of our deaths will insure everlasting life in heaven? None. Except Jesus'.

We need to recognize that because one man gave His life, we all can have eternal life.

As for the eggs...I'll have mine scrambled hard with cheese and onions, please.