Christmas and Easter are high holy days in Christianity. In both popular culture and in the church, Christmas seems to get the most attention. Both have parallels, but the case can be made for Easter to have the greatest importance to Christians, because the Resurrection of Christ is the defining event in Christianity.
Christmas is preceded by four weeks of Advent, a time of anticipation for the birth of the Prince of Peace. With Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus and the promise of salvation. On the night of his birth, the “multitude of the Heavenly Host” heralds Jesus coming into the world. Those who witness the birth were Mary and Joseph, a number of shepherds in the vicinity of Bethlehem, and later the Magi who came from the East. There was interest in Jesus’ birth from Herod, but only out of self-interest and protecting his rule. Later, Simeon and Anna, who were present at the Temple when Jesus was presented and named, both testified to Jesus identity as Messiah.
One wonders what became of those who witnessed Jesus’ birth and early days by the time of Jesus public ministry and the events of Holy Week. Given the life expectancy of the time, many of the the shepherds had probably died before Jesus began his ministry. The Magi had returned to their realms in the East. After Simion saw and proclaimed Jesus as Messiah he was free to “be dismissed in Peace”, and Anna the prophetess was advanced in years as well. It is presumed that Joseph had died during Jesus’ childhood. That leaves Mary, the mother of Jesus, who Scripture records as being present at Golgotha where Jesus was crucified. By the time of Jesus death, most who knew of the birth of the Prince of Peace were out of the picture.
Perhaps Christmas has grown as the popular secular and religious holiday because it focuses on birth, a new beginning and the promise of deliverance. Advent is a time of looking forward and preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is also a time of shopping and preparing for dinners and celebrations that are a part of the Christmas season.
Easter is preceded by six weeks of Lent. It is a time of introspection and reflection, beginning with Ash Wednesday and culminating with Holy Week. Lent is about sacrifice and “giving something up for Lent.” It is also a time for wandering in the wilderness, clearing spaces in one's life, and reflecting on one's spiritual journey. Holy Week services remind us of the Passion of Christ, - his betrayal, trial, punishment, and crucifixion. Perhaps we are not as comfortable with Lent as we are with Advent and Christmas because it asks us to look at ourselves as we are.
But Easter is all about victory over death. The Resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate triumph over sin. While the Nativity is all about a new hope for humanity, Easter is all about the assurance of that hope. Our promise of eternal life began with the birth of Jesus - when “the Word became flesh.” That promise became hope through the ministry of Jesus. Disciples followed Jesus and throngs of people heard about a new way to live, love and act toward one another. Jesus taught that He is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” That hope became our assurance with the empty tomb. We are reconciled with God through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Promise, hope, and assurance are ours through Christ.
He is Risen!
He is Risen indeed!
