I was about 10 years when I lived right across from the South Clairemont Rec Center in San Diego.  I remember the annual Easter Parade and most of all the Easter Bicycle Decorating Contest.  You could decorate your bike and win some money.  I was all in! 

I had a new Schwinn girls’ bike that had a woven basket on the front.  I put grass, eggs, and other items in it.  I took rolls of colorful crepe paper and wound it in and out of the spokes in the wheels and every part of that bike that I could.  We were poor and we didn’t have much money to go all out. 

It was time, we were called to all line up our bikes and stand beside them.  I glanced over at the other bikes and knew I was doomed. The other kids obviously came from families with bigger budgets.  The judges passed by the bikes, they barely glanced at mine.  I learned a valuable lesson; it takes money to win bike decorating contests. Yes, I was a bit sad.  After the parade, we went back home. 

My mother had hidden some eggs in the yard that my brother and I decorated earlier.  However, as a kid finding boiled eggs are not too exciting.  The finale’ of the day is when mom brought us an Easter basket.  Our spirits were lifted, as I quickly began exploring and devouring all the candy in the basket.

So, is that it?  Easter parades, baskets filled with eggs and candy.  What do they have to do with Easter?  Really, nothing.  I can tell you retail stores make a lot of money selling them and will continue to do so in years to come.   

What then is the most important thing we should be thinking about and passing on to the next generation.   

Easter is a time of reflection.  On Easter we have come to grips with the fact that over 300 prophecies were fulfilled concerning Jesus coming to earth and dying on a cross for you.  Some scholars say more than 500 prophecies were filled – see the list here.   The number is mathematically astounding and it’s time to take note, a time to reconcile your worldview with history.  It’s time to embrace the truth of a rescue story.

The rescue plan.   Simply put, God knew that humans would eventually sin.  Sadly, sin is the barrier between us and being with God in heaven one day.  Jesus came so that we could have eternal life with Him.  However, we must first confess our sins, intentionally turn from our sin, and place our faith in Jesus so that we can receive the free gift of salvation.

We rejoice.  This is a time Christians recount the fact that Jesus willingly went to the cross (Jesus could have called 12 legions of angels to help, that’s 72,000 angels).  He suffered and died a horrific death (crucifixion is the worst death imaginable), was buried, and rose again to life on the third day.  The blood of Jesus covered all sins, past, present, and future. 

 Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.  Because of what Jesus did for us, we rejoice. Jesus is fully God, fully man, and our only Savior.  He is the only way to get to heaven. 

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father except through me”.   John 14:6.

Many Begin a New Path. Christians have turned from their sins and are embarking on a lifelong journey of walking on a completely new path.  We may stray off the path now and then, but the Holy Spirit that lives within us will nudge us for a course correction. He reorients us in the direction we should go.  Although we are thankful we have been forgiven of our sins, we are not “sinless” but are “sinning less and less”.   

And so, today we celebrate Jesus’ victory over death and celebrate the new life he can give; we are now a new creation.  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”  2 Corinthians 5:17. We celebrate and look forward to being with Jesus in heaven one day. 

 “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.  Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.”  1 Corinthians 15: 3-8

Take time to investigate and contemplate the undisputed fact that God gave up his only son, so that you would have a path to heaven.  Jesus is the only bridge to God.  If you haven’t already, accept His free gift salvation, I encourage you to do so today.  He wants to have a relationship with you.  Follow Jesus. 

Although ornate egg hunts, chocolate candy, and bright baskets may be fun and entertaining, nothing can compare to the real meaning of Easter – Jesus Christ.  He is far more important than an Easter bunny bringing a basket.  Jesus offers the free gift of salvation to all who believe.