Is it just another excuse for kids (and the rest of us) to indulge in confectionary?

According to History.com, "Easter is the second best-selling candy holiday in America after Halloween."

We cannot really think of a reason why this shouldn't be true of Australia as well. Maybe we like to think that down here in the southern hemisphere, the weather is getting colder so we need more calories to keep warm.

This excuse doesn't really work for those living in the northern hemisphere but that's their problem.

Meanwhile those who look for answers at Discovery.com will be reminded that the Bible actually has no mention of the Easter bunny, brightly coloured eggs or chocolate.

In fact, the website points out that none of the above traditions have anything to do with the resurrection of Jesus, which of course is the main reason why we celebrate Easter in the first place.

But why is the Resurrection important? For those who read and believe in the Bible, the Resurrection event is absolutely essential.

The apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:14, "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith" (NIV).

In other words, if the resurrection never happened, our faith is meaningless, we have no hope, no eternal future, nothing to look forward to after this life.

In which case we might as well eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow (or at some point anyway) we die.

Thankfully, many scholars consider the gospels to be reliable historical documents so we can seriously consider the many claims made by Jesus of Nazareth.

An important one is that death is not the end.

In fact, Jesus proves it by rising from the dead. He also promised that all who put their faith in Him can share in the hope of resurrection (John 14:1-6).

It is a huge claim and worth checking out.

For Christians then, Jesus' resurrection is cause for much celebration. Speaking of which, including chocolate in any celebration isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Sources:

http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/easter-symbols

http://news.discovery.com/history/what-does-easter-bunny-come-have-to-do-easter-120406.htm

All brickbats, bouquets and banter welcome at narrominebaptist1@gmail.com

Simon Chen

Eternity Matters