Why I Celebrate Easter

I don’t often talk directly about my faith on this blog.

It’s not that I’m ashamed of it or scared to address it blatantly; it’s more that my faith and my relationship to God are central to everything that I do (or, at least, that’s the goal). It’s the basis of everything I share here, all of the work that I do, and the way that I show up in the world. If my readers and my customers and my acquaintances and my friends can’t see my faith through my daily words and actions, then perhaps there are bigger issues at play.

But today is a little different. I think it’s important that I talk about my faith directly, blatantly, clearly, as we approach one of my favorite holidays: Easter.

So, here it is: I believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

It’s one of the central teachings of Christianity, so I imagine that doesn’t come as much of a surprise. But it’s important for me to make clear: I believe that the Son of God died for the sins of everyone on earth. He was beaten and tortured and brutally nailed to a wooden cross to bear the weight of our sins—of my mistakes. And three days later, He rose from the dead.

Despite the eggs I dip in dye and the pastel colored flowers and the hunts for plastic eggs left by a mysteriously benevolent bunny—all fun Easter traditions that I celebrate and enjoy—the real reason that I celebrate Easter is because I believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

And my belief in and celebration of that resurrection reaffirms my faith.

To me, Easter is a celebration of faith. Of my faith in a God that can overcome sin and death. Of my faith in God’s forgiveness of my sins. Of my faith in the grace that God continues to provide.

Of course, I can (and try to) celebrate these things every day, but I appreciate any holiday that serves as a reminder. Much like Christmas or New Year’s Day, Easter acts as an anchor—an entire day (or weekend, for many) where I can stop, reflect, and remember what is most important to me.

Easter is also a reminder to me that death is not the end; it is not something to be feared.

This holiday is a reassurance and a reminder—that we are forgiven, that we are loved, and that there is life (a much better life, in Heaven) after death.

Don’t get me wrong—I love the Easter bunny and brightly-colored eggs and Reese’s peanut butter cups marketed and sold in a slightly oblong shape. But I celebrate Easter for different reasons. If you want to celebrate Easter with pastel colors and egg hunts and candy, too—I think you should! I think there is room for both tradition and fun within this celebration.

But if, like me, you also appreciate the deeper meaning behind Easter; if you believe in the resurrection of God’s son, who died specifically to forgive our sins, I hope you’ll use this day to celebrate that, too.

To celebrate that forgiveness and grace.

To celebrate life over death.

To celebrate your faith.

Happy Easter, friends.

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What does Easter mean to you? How do you celebrate with your family? Share your celebration in the comments.