Easter is coming up, so between buying chocolate bunnies and preparing for a school holiday break, I am attempting to make some space in my busy schedule to contemplate Jesus’ death and resurrection, and what it means to celebrate Easter. 

The Easter story is mysterious and controversial. A man named Jesus, who is fully human, yet fully God, both loved and hated by many, is crucified on a cross. His body is laid to rest in a cave and a big heavy stone is rolled across the entrance and guarded by roman soldiers. 

Three days later, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (Mary was one of the commonest names in New Testament times) went to visit the tomb. Suddenly there was a violent earthquake and an angel appeared at the burial site. The stone was rolled away and the guards were so scared they shook and became like dead men.

The angel then told Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (Yes, she is simply called ’The Other Mary’) not to be afraid, and that he knew they were looking for Jesus. He then told the women to tell the disciples that Jesus had risen from the dead and was on his way to Galilee.

Meanwhile, some of the chief priests (who weren’t fans of Jesus and his resurrection message) came up with a plan to tell the people that the disciples had stolen Jesus’ body so they could deny Jesus’ resurrection. They paid some soldiers a large sum of money to circulate the rumour. 

Following his resurrection, Jesus made a number of appearances to his followers. They talked and ate and hung out together. So what was the point of Jesus’ death? Well, simply so we can have a connection with God and the hope of eternal life with Him in heaven. There is much more depth to the Easter story, this is just my simplistic interpretation of it. It can be hard to believe, I know, but I take comfort in knowing that the heaviness and stress that life throws at me isn’t a burden I bear alone.

Parenting, work, relationships, paying the bills, are all hard work. But when you have faith to believe in something bigger than yourself your perspective changes. You can talk to God about those stresses and in return, you can find peace and a sense of freedom as the load gets lighter. 

So as we enjoy all the fun things that Easter brings, I hope you will find time to receive the peace that Jesus so freely gives to those who seek it.