Bottom Line

Most of the time it could be said of me that I lean toward being a bottom-line type of person. In other words, just give me the facts, pure and simple. This is kind of a strange behaviour considering I am a detailed person. That being said, every fact must be taken into consideration before a determination on any subject matter can be made. Even the smallest detail overlooked can change a picture entirely.

If your one on the non-believers who think that Easter is celebrated, as it was practiced in ancient times, with colored eggs and spring-like pagan activities, by believing Christians today, your deluded. Faith filled Christians, enjoy playing in the sun, with colored Easter eggs and bunnies, but I can assure you,  these Christians who are deeply rooted in their faith, find in these actions, ways to celebrate the Risen Christ, as part of their feasting. They are not participating in the worship of a false god. It is not about the candy. During a prescribed period of prayer, sacrifice and alms giving, they travel on a road paved with denying one's self pleasure, much fasting, having vigilance, watchfulness and giving forgiveness.  For joy cometh in the morning, after the Resurrection.

 Many people, then and now, are empty and misled. Christians have celebrated (Easter) Pascha, which is the first Sunday following the first full moon following the spring equinox following the Jewish Passover, as prescribed, according to the Council of Nicea, since A.D. 325.The Light of Christ illumines us all who are Baptised in Him--all who have put on Christ. We are historically grounded, and deeply rooted in church theology, bible teachings, --having eye-witness testimony, and the account of the saints throughout the ages. We believe in an historical  Jesus, born, crucified and raised from the dead. He is "the first born from the dead" and we place our hope of salvation through Him. Celebration of life, you bet, He is life, He gives life, and eternal life comes through Him. There is no life apart from Him. And to that end, we joyfully celebrate. Everything is called to "renewal" including us--this time of year when we remember what He has done for, and given to us. The invitation is extended to all--Come one and all even unto the eleventh hour.

You can gain the world and have nothing. Do you want to be rich? I am rich because I believe that Jesus was the ransom paid for the release of my captivity from sin and death. He died for you also, for all humanity. Christ's redemptive sacrifice on the Cross (Matt. 20:20-28), is a good place for you to begin to find the truth. The redeeming truth that will open the door of knowledge to you and set you free.

Proverbs tells us that the Light of the Righteous Rejoices....What happens to those who continue on the other path, through their own choice? (Proverbs 13:9) "Light is with the righteous continually, but the light of the ungodly is extinguished."

The first commandment of God, given through the hand of Moses, warns us of worshipping false gods or Idols. (There are many examples of these.) The title Easter is the Feast of the Resurrection of Christ, also known as Pascha (from the Hebrew word for Passover) Christ proclaimed Himself the true Passover and offered Himself as a sacrifice. The Lenten Spring is a very serious time for all Christians, who serve their God in ways that are pleasing to Him.

(John 14:6) "Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." No one comes to the Father except through Me." This was the answer Jesus gave to Thomas when he wanted to know where Jesus was going and what was the "way." THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY!

Scriptural reference taken from the Orthodox Study Bible.