This is “Holy Week” climaxed Easter Sunday celebrating Jesus Christ’s resurrection giving eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Sadly too many people have no idea Easter’s true meaning, literally often relating it only to bunnies and colored eggs.
Holy Week marks the final week of the season of Lent recounting the final days of Christ’s life, as well as his death, burial, and resurrection.
Lent is the 40 days before Easter during which many Christians retain from certain pleasurable activities as a way of remembering the suffering of Jesus Christ. Ash Wednesday marks Lent’s start as worshipers receive ash cross marks reminding: “Man, dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return.”
Palm Sunday is the sixth and last Sunday of Lent commemorating Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. It is named for the palm branches that were spread on the road to mark Christ’s arrival. Palm Sunday fronds are burned, and ashes used the following year’s Ash Wednesday.
Maundy Thursday celebrates Jesus’ Last Supper with His disciples thereby instituting the Eucharist. Consecrated bread and wine symbolic of body and blood of Christ are eaten and drank during the ceremony of Communion. Jesus washed the disciples’ feet as an act of humility and service, setting example that all should love and serve.
Good Friday is a day of sorrow and mourning marking the passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Holy Saturday commemorates the day that Jesus Christ lay in the tomb after his death. It is a quiet day of prayer and reflection.
Easter Sunday is celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Historically, Easter has also been associated with baptism. The immersion into and re-emerging from baptismal waters signifies Christ’ death and resurrection. It’s a festival of both the resurrection and the baptism of new believers.
Easter is Jesus Christ’s victory over death. His resurrection symbolizes the eternal life that is granted to all who believe in Him. Easter is complete verification of all that Jesus preached and taught during His three-year ministry.
If Jesus had died and not risen from the dead, not been resurrected, He would have been considered just another teacher.
Jesus resurrection changed all that. It gave final and irrefutable proof that Jesus was really the Son of God and that He had conquered death once and for all.
+++ALLELUIA+++
XII–13–3-25-18