John 3:14-17
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
All across America it’s expected that thousands of people will attend church today that generally don’t, all because it’s Easter Sunday. And if one of those people are you, you will notice in most churches today, the term Easter has been dropped for the more politically correct moniker of Resurrection Sunday. But don’t be confused, it’s very much the same holiday, with a few subtle variations.
The term Easter is believed to be a derivative of the name of the Germanic spring goddess Eastre or Ostara. It was in connection to the cultural tradition of the German people at that time to celebrate spring with flowers, rabbits and other festive objects. Easter comes from a pagan holiday that coincided with the vernal equinox in the spring. The original celebration occurred in Germany around March 21 each year, and it was to honor the pagan goddess of spring,
The Easter bunny also has pagan roots. According to German legend, Ostara saved a frozen bird by turning it into a rabbit. This special rabbit could lay eggs, because it once was a bird, hence the Easter bunny. This popular Easter animal symbol is first mentioned in 16th-century German writings, and candy bunnies and eggs were first introduced in the 1800s.
So it certainly makes sense for us to rename and rebrand this glorious celebration. But in doing so let’s be careful not to be so sanctimonious that we fail to see our own cultural influences that threaten to taint this blessed day.
I know nothing about Eastre or Ostara, but growing up we had our own traditions. Every family in America was out shopping for Easter outfits, hats, suits, shoes and gloves for the little girls. It could be a time of great stress for families that didn’t have much. But somehow moms and dads made it happen to save face and not be embarrassed. And not only did we dress, but we colored eggs, ate jelly beans and marshmallow chickens. We may not have worshipped the pagan gods, but many of the traditions stuck with us. Some to this very day.
But I’m not the least bit concerned. You know why? Because traditions of men come and go. Sooner or later fads and fables disappear. The only enduring word is the Word of God.
In the center of our reading this morning we note at John 3:15 arguably the most popular verse in the Bible: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. And as simple and straightforward as it may seem, theologians, preachers, pastors and parishioners of all kind have been attempting to unpack the glory of this divine text for over 2000 years.
The concept of the Sovereign, Almighty God loving the world is mind blowing all by itself. And to marry that with the idea He devised a plan of forgiveness and salvation that’s as simple as accepting His peace offering of love and eternal life is beyond comprehension. But the grandest statement in this verse has to be how He did what He did. He sacrificed His only Son for you and me. Please let that sink in for a moment.
The God that declared the wages of sin is death is the same God that said, “I’ll do it”. He volunteered to die. Volunteered to die for you and I. If we study this another 2000 years, we may continue to believe it, but we will never, ever fully understand it. Never.
This is why I’m not worried. Traditions have failed. Even mine…my favorite store (Lord and Taylor) closed down. People have stopped dressing up. Candy sells are down. Families do other things now. New fables will emerge. Things always change. There’s only one thing we can count on that is stable, consistent, unwavering and eternal. That’s the Word of God. So when everything else fails, falls and ceases to live up,to expectations, just know, the blood still works! And always will.
God Bless
