Easter
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In the Christian calendar, Lent, which lasts for 40 days (not including Sundays) before Easter, begins on Ash Wednesday. On this day, ashes are applied on the foreheads of many Christians who attend a church service in the form of a cross. Usually created by burning the palm branches from the previous year's Palm Sunday, the ashes represent repentance.
The Biblical custom of using ashes to symbolize grief for transgressions and a want for atonement and rejuvenation is the foundation of the tradition. This period is dedicated to reflective thinking, prayer, and fasting.
Genesis 2:7 "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."
Easter is a significant Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, which is believed to have occurred on the third day after his crucifixion, around 30 AD. It is the culmination of the Passion of Jesus, preceded by Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance.
The date of Easter varies each year and is observed on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. This means it can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25.
Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
Belief and Unbelief Among the Jews
The Authority of Jesus Question
The Parable of the Wedding Banquet
Paying the Imperial Tax to Cesar
The Washing of the Feet
Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
Peter Denies Jesus
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
The Appearance
The Ascension
The Day of Pentecost
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Easter is the most important feast in the Christian calendar as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This event is the cornerstone of our faith, as it validates Jesus' divinity and victory over sin and death.
The significance of Easter includes:
1. **Resurrection:** Easter signifies Jesus' triumph over death, fulfilling the promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him.
2. **Redemption:** Through His resurrection, Jesus redeemed humanity from sin and offered the gift of salvation to all who accept Him as Lord and Savior.
3. **Hope:** Easter brings hope to believers, assuring us of God's love, mercy, and power to transform our lives.
4. **Renewal:** The Easter season is a time for spiritual renewal, inviting us to deepen our faith, repent from our sins, and live in accordance with Christ's teachings.
5. **Rejoicing:** Easter is a joyful celebration of God's victory over darkness, offering us the opportunity to rejoice in His love and grace.
As we journey through the Easter season, let us meditate on the profound significance of Christ's resurrection and its implications for our faith and salvation.