Christmas is the most important Christian holiday in the year. It celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Not only do Christians celebrate this day, but it has turned into a holiday season which is celebrated by many people outside of the Christian community. There is lots of shopping and family activities.
Next to Christmas, the next most important Christian holiday is Easter Sunday. A little history may be helpful. At the end of his ministry, the Savior went to the Garden of Gethsemane near Jerusalem. There he left some of his disciples behind him and began to pray to God the Father concerning the Atonement. He submitted to the will of the Father and accepted the responsibility of going through with this sacrifice. He suffered for the sins of mankind. It is said that during this agony, his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling to the ground. After completing the Atonement, he was arrested and eventually crucified on the cross. The day of the crucifixion was Friday. On the third day, or Sunday, he was not found in the tomb in which his body had been laid. He had been resurrected. He appeared to Mary and then his disciples. He showed them his body, including the marks in his hands and feet from the crucifixion. The disciples were allowed to touch and feel his body. It is important to note that others were resurrected after the Savior. This is all recorded in the New Testament of the Bible.
The importance of Easter is that the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ give us two great benefits. The resurrection is universal, or it applies to everyone, not just Christians. After death we will be resurrected and live forever. Through the Atonement the Savior paid the price for part of our sins if we will merely repent and do our best to obey the commandments of God.
Different Christian groups interpret some of the events of Easter differently. They also celebrate Easter in different ways. But it is truly the most magnificent holiday in the year because of the great benefits it brings to all of us.
I do not know what religious beliefs and traditions you have. But I do know and testify that the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ are real, and they have an application in the lives of everyone.
I hope that as you and your family celebrate Easter this month, you will reflect upon its meaning. Such reflection should have a positive impact upon your life. Let Easter activities help you become a better person and more appreciative of what Jesus Christ did for mankind.
For more details on Easter and the resurrection of Jesus, read the Road Map to God book available on this website.
Key Words – Christmas, Jesus Christ, Christians, Easter Sunday, atonement, crucifixion, resurrection, sins, repent
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