A Message On The True Meaning Of Easter From 1 Peter C

[Ron]

The True Meaning Of Easter

As we journey through yet another Easter season, it is only proper that we take a step back and reflect on the true meaning of Easter.

Many, many years ago, something extraordinary occurred. Brave little Peter Cottontail heroically hopped down that treacherous pass known as the Bunny Trail. Hippity, hoppity, here came Easter.

When Peter Cottontail hopped, he hopped for us. He hopped so that we could enjoy jellybeans, chocolate rabbits and marshmallow chicks. He hopped so that we could search for dyed eggs in our backyards. He hopped so that all of America could sport new pastel clothes each year without shame.

So how would Peter Cottontail feel if he knew the church was trying to use his day of commemoration to promote its spokesperson? Our guess is that he would feel betrayed and used.

Yet this is exactly what is happening. Most western religions are attempting to steal Peter Cottontail’s thunder by insisting on using his day to showcase Jesus. We are sure this Jesus is a nice person. In fact, he sounds downright generous. But why must he use Peter Cottontail’s day for his own?

The church maintains its affiliation with Easter Sunday goes back further than Peter Cottontail’s. We just find that impossible to believe.

After all, Europeans began coloring eggs in the springtime hundreds of years ago. Is the clergy trying to say its affiliation goes back that far?

And the first edible bunnies to commemorate Easter were produced in Germany in the 1800s.

We suppose the church will claim it was celebrating Easter before that.

Speaking of bunnies, the first mention of rabbits being associated with Easter can be found in German writings from the 1500s. The church surely cannot trace its connection back that far.

If that evidence does not convince you, consider these numbers: in the year 2000, Americans spent $1.8 billion on Easter candy. Among the purchases were 60 million chocolate bunnies, 80 million marshmallow chicks and 15 billion jellybeans.

Even the most hardened skeptic must admit that if we are spending that much money, surely the candy and the bunnies must be central to the meaning of Easter.

Furthermore, look at the popularity issue. Have you ever seen a line at the mall to take a Polaroid with Jesus?

Not only is the church trying to steal the spotlight, but it is also making ridiculous demands. The worst of these is the call to attend Church on Easter Sunday, Peter Cottontail’s day.

How are we supposed to participate in egg hunts, gorge ourselves with candy, bake our hams, and also take an hour to sit in church? There simply is not enough time, so we must prioritize.

In the past several years, the church has been losing its voice in this battle. But Peter Cottontail cannot be assured victory until the church completely backs down. So this Easter, remember the true meaning of the day.

Do not give in to the pressures of the church, but stand up for your candy and eggs. And remember: Peter Cottontail loves you.

You mean the true meaning of Ishtar?

[Praxeas]

1 Peter C?

[Ron]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

1 Peter C?

1 Peter (Cottontail)

[Pressing-On]

Ron,
When we were growing up Easter was a real big deal. We made the most elaborate nests for the Easter Bunny to put our eggs in. My mother would go over to my grandmother's house and dye our eggs with this dye that looked like oil painting. They were gorgeous.

The evening before our father would take us, in the back of his truck, into the country and we would choose the most beautiful flowers to build our nest. We drove to our relatives homes to pick Wisteria, etc. It was so much fun!

Even with all the candy, nests and all my mother made sure we understood it was about Jesus' resurrection.

The Catholic Mass was so dramatic and solemn that day.

Fond memories of childhood.

[Ron]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Ron,
When we were growing up Easter was a real big deal. We made the most elaborate nests for the Easter Bunny to put our eggs in. My mother would go over to my grandmother's house and dye our eggs with this dye that looked like oil painting. They were gorgeous.

The evening before our father would take us, in the back of his truck, into the country and we would choose the most beautiful flowers to build our nest. We drove to our relatives homes to pick Wisteria, etc. It was so much fun!

Even with all the candy, nests and all my mother made sure we understood it was about Jesus' resurrection.

The Catholic Mass was so dramatic and solemn that day.

Fond memories of childhood.

Hey, I am not an old stogey about Easter Eggs or Chocolate, but there is a point where Eggs, and Chocolate have come to represent Easter rather than the The Resurrection.

[Ron]

[Sam]

For many years now, Easter has been a family thing with us and not a church thing. Years ago when the kids were small (we have 5 of them) Easter was always a real hassle at church. People showed up that we never saw all year. The place was packed out. Also, it seemed like they all had new clothes. We couldn't afford new clothes for our guys so we just didn't go on Easter. We would have one big Easter basket with lots and lots of candy. We would have an Easter egg hunt in our house because around here it is too wet and/or cold to do something like that outside. Also, if at all possible, we would go out and eat that day. On our budget, going out to eat was a very rare thing. So Easter over the years has been a family day. This Easter as many of our kids and grandkids that can will be here. We will have a big Easter basket filled with lots of good stuff and as it empties we will refill it. We will have a big meal together, some will be in the dining room, some in the kitchen and maybe some in the family room. When they leave they will take ham and other food and also Easter candy with them. The smaller ones will color pictures and read about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus so we're sure that everyone knows what the day is about.