Question: .

What is the truth about Easter? Where did this custom come from?

-Aubrey

Answer:

Dear Aubrey,

Your question can be answered briefly, but perhaps you require a much longer answer. The short answer - Easter is a Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is held in the spring of the year because Jesus was resurrected then. It is true that there are pagan practices that were once celebrated at this time (as they were at Christmas) and it is also true that Christianity overcame/obliterated the pagan-ness of these days by celebrating the Lord during these times. Some Christians believe these times are pagan simply because pagans once had celebrations at these times. That logic will lead toward a Christian doing almost nothing (and in its extreme would lead a Christian to live a very short life indeed) - as pagans have worshipped, celebrated, deified, etc. almost everything - and anything - including water and air.

You may have many specific questions - and time does not allow me to address them all here. Please feel free to write back.

In Christ,

Greg Albrecht