This One Hack Will Change How You Celebrate Easter

Hello my dear readers,

Today is a holiday special because I’m writing the day before Easter. I’m wondering what preparations you are doing, if any, for your Easter celebration. Are you trying to figure out what to wear to an Easter church service? Dying eggs for an Easter egg hunt? Buying a chocolate bunny for someone special? None of the above?

Maybe you’re spending Easter on a military deployment or in a hospital. What will Easter look like then?

No matter what your situation is, read on for the one hack that will change how you celebrate Easter wherever you are. Our understanding begins with the very first Easter. ✝️

The First Easter

The Early Morning

First, let’s consider how people were feeling at the crack of dawn that first Easter. Jesus’ followers had been grieving His unjust conviction and horrific death, and they feared being arrested or killed (John 20:19). Peter was feeling guilty for denying his association with Jesus (Matthew 26:75). On the way to anoint Jesus’ body, the women were full of questions, including logistical ones like “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” (Mark 16:3).

How are you feeling as we approach Easter? For any reason at this point in your life, do you feel grief, fear, guilt or uncertainty? (You may be interested in the posts, “4 Crucial Sources of Comfort During the Grieving Process” and “Want To Stop Feeling Depressed? Here’s How.”)

The Resurrection of Jesus

All four gospels have parts of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. GotQuestions.org has combined these details into a succinct timeline of events, in the article, “Can the Various Resurrection Accounts from the Four Gospels Be Harmonized?”

Reading the gospels and timeline, we see that there was a lot going on. The guards of the tomb fainted as they witnessed an earthquake and an angel rolling back the stone (Matthew 28:4). Jesus’ followers were running to and from the tomb (John 20:4, Matthew 28:8). Jesus was appearing to people in isolated incidents (Matthew 28:9; John 20:14; Luke 24:15; Luke 24:34). And they quickly reported information to the disciples throughout the day (Luke 24:10; Luke 24:35, John 20:18).

Furthermore, the emotions were high. Jesus’ followers were “bewildered” (Mark 16:8; Luke 24:12) and afraid yet joyful (Matthew 28:8). This may be an emotional and/or action-packed Easter for you this year too. (You may be interested in the posts, “6 Effective Ways To Manage Stress” and “Finding Hope in Difficult Times.”)

The Evening

Jesus understood what a day they’d had from start to finish. He compassionately appeared to them and the first thing He said was “Peace be with you!” (John 20:19). The fact that He said it twice in a row with an exclamation mark (John 20:21) indicates that He really meant it.

Easter Today

Jesus is telling us the same thing this Easter. In spite of everything we’re going through, He wants us to have peace because He is risen, He has overcome, and He’s with us (John 16:33; Isaiah 41:10).

This brings us to the one hack that will change how you celebrate Easter.

Gathering with a group of believers would be ideal; for example, the Catholic Church even has a part of the mass mentioning the peace that Jesus offers and giving each other a sign of peace. Or, consider a Foursquare church service, such as The Church on the Way. If that’s not possible, you can still do the one hack, which is receiving God’s peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:6).

Consequently, you will be “overjoyed” on Easter. “After He said this, He showed them His hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord” (John 20:20 NIV). God is so clever to have that verse at John 20:20 as if we are to have 20-20 vision of seeing the victorious Lord with kindness and compassion in His eyes—and become overjoyed.

Thus, reflecting on the true meaning of Easter results in peace and joy. God said through the prophet Isaiah, “I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free” (Isaiah 44:22 NLT). This prophecy was fulfilled through Jesus Christ, who loves us (John 13:1). For more information about God, see the posts, “Why Selfless Esteem Is Better Than Self-Esteem,” “How To Pray in 5 Simple Steps,” and “The Real Truth About God.”

In closing, please enjoy this traditional hymn written by Charles Wesley way back in 1739. And have a happy, peaceful Easter. 🌞

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New King James Version®. Copyright © 1984 by Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, TN. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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