As Easter draws closer, many young children around the world are getting excited for the arrival of the Easter bunny. They are often being raised oblivious to the true meaning of Easter and of what Jesus did for us on the cross.
But is the tradition of a rabbit giving out eggs to children really so wrong? Or is it time to do away with the bunny and teach children the truth?
Origins
The Easter bunny tradition dates back to the 1700s when German immigrants came to America and brought over their tradition of “Osterhase.”
This was when an egg laying hare would lay coloured eggs to give to good boys and girls. Over time this was adapted by the Americans and commercialized to become the Easter bunny tradition that we now are familiar with.
But as Christians, how do we draw the line and celebrate the commercialized side of Easter (chocolates) as well as honoring and respecting what Jesus did for us on the cross?
Back to the Bible
The Bible is very clear on what the true meaning of Easter is. The gospel of Matthew tells us about Jesus’s journey to the cross to be crucified and his resurrection on the third day.
“He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what He told you back in Galilee, that the son of man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that He would rise again on the third day.” (Luke chapter 24 verses 6-7)
Simply, Easter is meant to be a time of reflection and recognition of the sacrifice that our Lord and Saviour made on the cross. So how can we celebrate Easter to honor God?
Take time
A way that I like to celebrate Easter and remember Christ’s sacrifice, is to watch the movie “The passion of the Christ.”
By watching a movie which depicts our Lord’s final hours, I am able to focus on the truth of God’s goodness and I can worship Him as I remember His sacrifice on the cross. My family also like to have lunch together and pray with one another as we reflect on God’s goodness.
Hope
Easter is also about hope. The hope that comes from knowing that our sins are forgiven and that Jesus died for our sins when we didn’t deserve it.
“The death He died to sin once for all. But the life He lives, He lives to God. In the same way count yourself dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans chapter 6, verses 10-11)
The Easter bunny tradition does not give us the same hope that the knowledge of Christ's sacrifice and forgiveness does.
Conclusion
So left with the choice between celebrating Christ sacrifice and Easter or focusing on a bunny bringing chocolates – Where do you stand? My family and I choose to focus on remembering Christ and celebrating how amazing His love for us is.