When I think about all of the reasons humanity has to celebrate, the day we know as Easter or Resurrection Day has to be at the top of the list. Think for just a moment, no other day in the history of the world had such lasting effects. When Jesus said “It is Finished,” as he hung on the cross of Calvary sinless and perfect, he really meant the work was done. He accomplished all God the Father intended for him to accomplish in this world, but the consequences of that action would go on eternally. The effects of Jesus’ death on the cross carried into the tomb where they laid his beaten and lifeless body. The tomb where death did not have the power to hold life from him; just as Jesus said he victoriously rose from the dead! Further, the effects of Calvary did not end there but continued on as the resurrected Jesus revealed himself to his closest followers and ascended into heaven some forty days later.

The ironic thing is the effects of Calvary continue today. The actions of Jesus’ death on the cross carry on to those who choose to call him Lord now in the present; indeed, there is forgiveness of sin and restoration available at the foot of the cross. Yet, I want you to consider if there was no resurrection there really was no forgiveness of sin and no hope. The Apostle Paul wrote in I Corinthians 15:17 “If Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” (New King James Version) So that makes Jesus’ resurrection the key, all of eternity is held in the balance by that day. The result that was set into motion when Jesus said “It is Finished.” What a wonderful day we celebrate in Easter! Jesus is risen and he still lives today!

In a culture where everything insignificant seems to be hailed as important Easter truly stands out. We certainly live in a pop culture society where people pursue celebrities as idols and follow their every move. Where anyone can record a self humiliating video, post it on Youtube and become an instant “success.” We also live in a time when sense and sensibility seem at a premium. My grandfather once said, “that is ignorance gone to seed,” in speaking of the actions of people. Perhaps it is true in American culture when right is wrong and wrong is right to see things in the proper light.

I ask are we really better off when there is a “holiday” or two a month in order to get a weary public to spend more money and go into debt purchasing frivolous items that eventually find the corner of the closet. We have New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Fourth of July, Back to School (Yes that is even a holiday!), Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and everything imaginable in-between. We have truly lost the significance of “important” days, not that the times we celebrate aren’t important but they should be kept in the proper perspective and their real value never lost.

That is why I say Easter is the most important day of all. Imagine the hopelessness of this world without the risen Jesus Christ! All other days pale in comparison. So I ask this Easter that you and your family really “celebrate” the most wonderful and holiest day of the year with thankful hearts and remember Jesus is Lord of all. May God bless you abundantly in the name of Jesus Christ.