“JOY TO THE WORLD, HE IS RISEN, HALLELUJAH!”

This week, often referred to as Holy Week, is a unique week for Christians all over the world. The week culminates in what many refer to as “Easter.” Did you know that Easter was not originally celebrated by Christians? It has its roots in ancient pagan traditions before it became the designated holiday for the Jewish Passover traditions. The word "Easter" itself is likely derived from the name of an Anglo-Saxon goddess, Eostre, the goddess of fertility. Since its inception, the timing of Easter is on the Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere. Since it was a holiday to celebrate new growth, it also included bunnies and eggs, age-old symbols of fertility and new life. All of this information can be easily found in a google search, but I include it here in order to make a point. This holy day is truly the most important day for Christians all over the world. On this day we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and the new life He offers to everyone in the world who believes on Him. In that vein, I’d like to propose that the correct reference to the day should be RESURRECTION SUNDAY. Resurrection Sunday has always been an important part of my life from the time I was born. I remember many family gatherings and a roasted leg of lamb for our meal, which I didn’t exactly appreciate at the time. After I married and had two children of my own, our southern California church presented special music on that Sunday in 1976. It was “The Easter Song” by Annie Herring, which she had released two years before. 50 years later and I still listen to this song each year. I find that it still offers an amazing dimension of praise and worship. The powerful words and music help bring attention to the reason for our celebration: the resurrected Savior, Jesus Christ, which is Who Resurrection Sunday is all about. The song has a miraculous way of lifting you beyond the cares of this world and focuses your mind and heart on the reason for this celebration – Jesus Christ, God incarnate, resurrected Savior and soon coming King. “JOY TO THE WORLD, HE IS RISEN, HALLELUJAH!” I encourage you to listen to “The Easter Song” on a YouTube video as you rejoice in the LORD on this Resurrection Sunday. My favorite presentation is by Keith Green, a fellow musician and a close friend of Annie and her family. You can find the video on YouTube by typing this link into your browser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMPKV95zNCY