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Sunday News, April 8 2007
CHOCOLATE eggs, Easter bunnies, spring chicks and the dreaded school holiday . . . oh yes, the Easter holiday is in full swing.

In Christian countries, Easter is celebrated as the religious holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

On the other hand, non-Christians view Easter as a holiday characterised by feasting and merrymaking.

Pastor Tobaya Maguwu of the Word of Life Church in Bulawayo explained to the Sunday News the significance of Easter to Christians, saying the “imminence of the second coming, which is the basis of the faith” was rooted in Easter.

“Easter celebrations are a commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is Lord over everybody whether people believe it or not. It is a celebration of our freedom from sin.

“Before Jesus there was no solution to sin. It is only through the shedding of his blood that we were redeemed. Because of that we rejoice,” he said.

LESSONS FOR TODAY

The death of Jesus Christ must be understood in terms of a sacrifice for sins through whom sinful human beings such as we are become saved by faith.

Easter weekend is the most important period in the Christian calendar. Of all Christian holidays Easter is the longest since it starts on Maundy Thursday and ends on Easter Monday.

Easter also called Pascha or Resurrection Sunday, means that on the third day Jesus resurrected from the dead, meaning a new life. But before Jesus rose from that grave, he died a painful death for the salvation of all mankind.

This week is Holy Week or Passion Week, as Christians all over the world remember the pain that the Lord went through more than 2 000 years ago. Apart from commemorating the death and resurrection of the Saviour, Christians also await His return.

This year, due to Covid-19 restrictions, most Christians are not going to celebrate Easter the way it should be, only a limited number is allowed to attend services.