Easter vs Christmas
30th March 2010 by Julia Hosking
Who wins at your house?
Easter versus Christmas. Who would have thought? The two most significant moments in Christian history and yet, it always seems as though the world places more emphasis on Christmas. And, I admit, I'm guilty of doing the same.
One month prior to Christmas my house is decorated, I have bought stacks of gifts, I have talked "Christmas plans" with friends and family, I have been playing carols for two months ... But apart from a four-day weekend marked on my calendar, and some chocolate eggs in the cupboard, there are few signs in my house (or in my life) that it's Easter.
I don't go "Easter carolling", I have no "Easter tree" (I should set up a cross though, really, cos that's the tree), I don't spend anywhere near as much on Easter gifts (mind you, who needs that much chocolate?) and the shops certainly don't go as crazy with décor at Easter (hot cross buns in January, aside).
Understanding Easter
But why so little emphasis on Easter? Surely Easter is just as – dare I say, if not more – significant than Christmas. Jesus died. His death was so powerful that the earth shook, dead people were raised to life and the temple curtain tore (Matthew 27:45-56). And his bloodshed was so meaningful that it marked the beginning of a new covenant (Mark 14:23-24).
But Jesus conquered death. His resurrection marks our new life. It means we are free, we are drawn closer to God, and we receive eternal salvation through faith in Christ and not works or deeds! Isn't that worth a HUGE party, a MASSIVE celebration?
First the engagement party, then the wedding
Of course Christmas is hugely significant, but it's kind of like an engagement party. An engagement party celebrates two people making a commitment to something that will happen in the future. It's exciting. It's a big party and a hurrah for ... things to come. But at the end of the day, a couple are engaged before their engagement party and are still engaged after their engagement party.
The wedding that follows an engagement however, now that is big news. Everything changes for a couple after their wedding. No longer are they two families; they become one new family. They were living life one way; but now they live life another way.
The birth of Jesus was exciting, yes, and it should still be celebrated with enthusiasm. And yes Jesus' birth was significant – it signalled great things to come; it was the start of God's promise to his people. But nothing changed for the Jewish people after Jesus' birth; they still only knew and obeyed the Old Testament laws.
The wedding leads to change
The wedding of a couple (after their engagement period) is filled with joy, excitement, hope and thanksgiving – much the same as the resurrection we celebrate at Easter.
Like a wedding, the resurrection marked a change. A change in the way we are able to worship God. It also marked the beginning of "Christianity" and the Christian Church. The resurrection meant that humanity was offered free salvation through faith, God gave us a new family, and eventually the Holy Spirit was given to all believers.
Also, like a wedding finishing the engagement period with the words "I do", the resurrection finished Jesus' life and purpose on earth with the words "it is finished" spoken on the cross (John 19:30).
Engagements are exciting and Christmas certainly has its place; but weddings represent change and a new life with a spouse, just as Easter represents change in the way we worship God and a new life with Christ.
By Julia Hosking
P.S: Without a wedding, I am not married ... Without the Cross of Christ, I am not a Christian.
(Thanks Major David Godkin for the inspiration in your Good Friday sermon.)
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Comments
WOW!! Great word Julia!!!! Great statement about Christmas V Easter ... and I LOVE the Enagement/marriage illustration!!! Very well said. Mind if I use it some time?? I'll Credit you!!
@Tim:
I totally agree! This is so good Julia. Spot on!
Thanks for the encouragement, I'm glad that it's making people think, but I'm just the messenger for the words!
@Tim: Feel free to borrow and share the concept. : )
Fantastic words and analogy. Such a timely reminder. I too am keen to steal this!
That's great, a creative & fresh approach looking at the difference between Christmas and Easter! love the cartoon too :)
A great reminder of all the important bits we often over look. Couldn't wait to get to the next bit.
Luv it. Top art work too!!!
I think a more accurate metaphor than wedding/engagement would be to say Easter is like D-Day (6th June 1944, the day the Allies struck decisive blow in the second world war and the Nazis were finally defeated) and General Montgomery's birthday (no idea when that was and don't care)