Easter comes at the end of a long winter season. We’re ready for a break, a rest and a holiday. It’s time to relax and spend time with loved ones. To be festive and celebrate.
But there’s a problem. Many in the UK don’t know what the celebration is all about. Are we celebrating spring? Or bunnies and chocolate? Or the holiday itself? Or something religious? For many, Easter in 2014 is a festival in need of a meaning.
For the last 2,000 years Easter has been the time when Christ-followers celebrate new life that comes from the death and resurrection of Jesus. Charged with immense significance, it was until recently bigger than Christmas. But the meaning has slowly been lost in our culture. It’s waned and for many it’s disappeared.
I felt this yesterday as I did a few minutes shopping in York after Good Friday services. The sun was shining and many people were somewhat aimlessly wandering, looking, watching, buying, sitting, drinking, eating and chatting. Most seemed relaxed and unhurried. I don’t know how many knew it was Good Friday or what it stands for, but it felt like people were happy that it was holiday-time and they could be out and about. It made me think again that for many, Easter is a festival with little meaning. It’s more a time for a break, a rest and happy holiday.
I don’t think our culture wants to celebrate Easter as we did before. I suspect it’s perceived as too somber. Too stiff. Too churchy. If we’re to help people in the North rediscover the meaning of Easter it will have to be celebrated differently – in a way that doesn’t diminish or make boring the holiday but rather enhances it.
Is that possible? Can we help people have an even happier Easter? I believe we can. At the very least I think it starts with individual disciples and their families and churches finding good and fresh ways to celebrate – and then encouraging others to join in. We can do that. Starting locally, and over time effecting our streets, communities and region.
Easter is a festival in need of a meaning. Followers of Jesus know the meaning. So what are we waiting for?
Discipleship Blog 
Yes, did you see what South Sheilds did on the telly yesterday? A fresh new way of celebration!
Love from
Ali
*Please amend my address to abuwood2@gmail.com *
This may start in the primary schools when Christianity is marginalised, children learn about other religions and not about our own faith.
In my 17 years as a Primary School teacher in South Wales, Hampshire and Yorkshire I used to get very frustrated.
Our Church in Dibden Purlieu Hythe Southampton used to send a team from the church to do assembly’s which helped to bridge a gap in Religious education. They also helped to write the RE curriculum.
Happy Easter to you Matthew, Sam and family.
I enjoyed doing the cafe today.
With regards
Mary Lloyd
Sent from my iPad
The Easter choir has attracted my mum and dad especially as Mark is their favourite son In law!
Coupled with our children taking them to their school Church yesterday my mum and Dad will have had a right helping of the gospel this Easter I’m so pleased !
BBQ’s are a popular middle ground