Gratitude Day 255

Thurs., Apr. 18, 2019

2 Corinthians 5:17 – So, if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!

Nearly all of my Easter decorations all into one category.

Almost all are eggs.

So why eggs at Easter? Why are they such a strong Easter tradition?

While the history of eggs and Easter is a little vague, we do know this is a long-standing tradition. The dating of Easter varies from year to year and is tied to Passover. Jewish Passover is always celebrated in the spring; thus, the reason Easter is celebrated this time of the year.

Eggs are a symbol of new life, fertility and rebirth. In the spring, we experience lots of new life: new baby chicks, new grass and new babies of all sizes, shapes and various species. Who doesn’t think a baby lamb, rabbit or bird is absolutely precious?

Sometimes called Paschal eggs rather than Easter eggs, these eggs remind us of Jesus’ resurrection. The hard-outer shell of the egg symbolizes the sealed tomb. When this shell is cracked, Christians are reminded how Jesus was raised from the death. Orthodox churches often dye Easter eggs red to signify Jesus’ blood.

Americans have a long-standing tradition of dying eggs, hiding them and hunting for them. Maybe we don’t know the exact reason why all of these traditions began. What we do know is they are very much connected to the biblical reason for Easter: Christ’s resurrection.

Whether you dye eggs this week or not; whether you will be involved in hunting for them; whether you can’t wait for deviled eggs (one of Hubby Rick’s favorites), eggs are an important part of our Easter tradition. May these eggs not just reflect a fuzzy baby duck, or some other new baby animal born this time of year. May we see how a simple egg helps tell the story of Jesus’ resurrection.

For simple symbols that help us recall the events of Holy Week and Easter Sunday, I am grateful.

New birth. New life. A resurrected Christ. May a simple egg point us back to the empty tomb and how Jesus’ cracked open humanity with the resurrection. Amen.

Blessings –

Dianne

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