By Pastor Matt Wilksch, Arise Lutheran Church, Springfield.
“I have an ambivalent relationship with the Easter Bunny. I grew up understanding the Christian view that Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. I could never reconcile how or why this bunny made it into Easter celebrations. Any why does the bunny bring chocolate eggs? Even my basic knowledge of biology made me suspicious of bunnies with eggs in places they don’t belong.
Another part of my brain told me not to question this tradition – what other occasion gave permission to eat as much chocolate as was available? That same part of my brain also had no interest in decorating blown chicken eggs to beautify our home. If it wasn’t a chocolate egg, it wasn’t welcome.
As a Christian, I have never had much love for the Easter Bunny. It seems such an empty story when compared to the life-changing wonder and overwhelming joy of Jesus’ resurrection. It’s a bit like at Christmas time getting excited for Santa bringing us a new toy – but can we please celebrate the wonder of God’s love in the incarnation of his Son?!
Imagine my surprise to learn the Easter Bunny is Lutheran! Well, that’s what Wikipedia says. As does a host of other internet sources. Font of knowledge that it is, Wikipedia tells us that German Lutherans in the 16th century introduced the “Easter Hare,” who kept a list of obedient and disobedient children. Good kids received eggs, bad kids didn’t. Sounds a little similar to another story…
The Easter Hare tradition made its way to America where it became the Easter Bunny, offering untold commercial potential in the form of chocolate eggs, plush toys, presents and any other marketable commodity. Also a little familiar … Oh the irony, that Lutheranism, a movement so opposed to works-righteousness, could be responsible for such manipulative moralism and crass capitalism!
Maybe the best approach to the Easter Bunny myth, is to extract a symbol of new life. Easter is a Springtime occurrence in the northern hemisphere, so rabbits and chickens may be more prominent and prolific. If we steer conversations from new life in natural world to the new life of the spiritual realm, we can talk about the rising of Jesus being the greatest surprise of Easter. And of all time!
The surprise of the empty tomb on Easter morning is so great, it takes even the eyewitnesses a while to accept it. We shouldn’t be surprised if people today are sceptical of the resurrection of Jesus. Nevertheless, we have this incredibly good news to share with others.
Jesus rose from the dead. Death is not the end for all who trust in Jesus. Every sin has been forgiven by Jesus. Every sadness can be overcome by the joy of Jesus’ rising. Every broken thing in life can be mended in Jesus. Every broken heart can be healed in Jesus. There is surprise after wonderful surprise to celebrate at Easter!”
Used with permission.
The real Easter surprise
So, as you and your family go on an Easter egg hunt – think about the wonder of Jesus disciples realising that He had risen from death, and then looking for others to share the amazing news that Jesus is alive.
As you are surprised by a bunny and eggs – remember the surprise of the disciples who learned that something impossible had become a reality. Jesus is risen!
Most Easter eggs are hollow – as you open yours, remember the empty tomb. Jesus was not held captive by death.
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
Matthew 28:5-8
May God surprise you again with joy at Jesus’ rising this Easter!
For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”
John 6:40
Prayer
Dear God,
You loved this world so much that you gave your one and only Son, that we might be called your children too.
We praise you for the resurrection of Jesus, who has overcome sin, death and the devil, and lives and rules forever!
Help us to live in the gladness and joy of Easter Sunday every day. Please help us to tell this good news to the world, so that they too would believe and be saved. Amen.
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Maundy Thursday: What is Maundy Thursday & the New Commandment?
Good Friday: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
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