Chocolate Easter eggs may seem a strange way to mark the most important date in the Christian calendar but like most traditions – although heavily commercialised – their origin lies in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
We’re pleased to share an Easter Day message from Reverend Stephen Patterson, Parish of Christ The King in Ascot and Windsor:
“Chocolate Easter eggs may seem a strange way to mark the most important date in the Christian calendar but like most traditions – although heavily commercialised – their origin lies in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
For the Christian church, Easter comes after forty days of Lent with its traditional period of fasting, prayer and almsgiving, all part of preparation - individually and collectively - for the solemn commemoration of Holy Week. Then, we remember Jesus dying for us on the cross on Good Friday and, three days later, on Easter Sunday, his glorious resurrection from the dead. After his resurrection, when the stone closing his tomb was rolled away, the gospels recount his meeting with Mary Magdalene and his disciples in his glorified body when his first two messages were ‘Greetings! Do not be afraid;’ and ‘Peace be with you.’
These words of comfort and support from Christ are at the heart of the Easter message, for we believe that we have a creator God who became Man in the form of his son, Jesus Christ, who was prepared to sacrifice himself by accepting a humiliating painful death on the cross for our sake. Yet, after his breaking through the bonds of death and rising from the dead, he spoke not of judgment and revenge but shared greetings with his followers and a message of peace for hearts and minds.
When we are in the deepest of darkness, pain, or grief, it can be very hard to feel that there is hope and light, but for those who follow Christ we are reassured, comforted and strengthened by the knowledge that we have a living saviour who, like us, experienced pain and loss. The peace, hope, love, and joy which this knowledge gives supports us through the best and worst of times, each of our joys and sorrows, and encourages us to move the stones behind which we are often trapped, be it physically or emotionally.
This may all seem a long way from lived reality and the commercialised chocolate eggs which fill our shops as the ubiquitous symbol of Easter. However, each egg – whether its makers or recipients realise it – symbolises the tomb of Jesus from which he broke free and the new life within. At its breaking, each egg is a reminder of that amazing moment which changed the world forever. Each is a commemoration of the breaking down of death, the salvation of all peoples and life everlasting which Christ’s death and resurrection promised. That message of hope has a deep meaning for millions across the world every day of their lives who, however difficult it may be, remember and try to live those words: ‘Greetings! Do not be afraid,’ ‘Peace be with you.’ Happy Easter!”
At Thames Hospice, we see every day how compassion and care can bring comfort, even in the most difficult time. Wishing you a joyful and hope-filled Easter.
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