Is Easter More Important Than Easter?
By Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
Is Easter more important than Christmas? In the secular world, these two days appear to be pretty much the same. They both consist of candy, presents, feasts, and families. The difference seems to rest in either decorating with reindeers or bunnies. On one holiday you put out baskets and on the other you put out stockings. In the winter we eat candy canes while in the spring we eat jelly beans. The difference is seen in the outward appearance.
On the other hand, you may even hear those who say, “Christmas doesn’t mean anything without Easter.” In other words, “If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, then it doesn’t matter if He was born.”
Yet, is that the best way to look at it? If there was no incarnation to celebrate (God becoming man in the womb), then we could not celebrate in the resurrection (the God/man coming forth from the tomb). In fact, if there were no crucifixion, there could be no resurrection. If there was no birth, then there would be no body to be put to death. Christmas and Easter are tied together with Good Friday. The three belong together.
It was necessary for Jesus to be born without sin, in order to be put to death for our sin. It was necessary for Jesus to be crucified, so that God and man could be reconciled. It was necessary for Jesus to rise from the dead, so that we could be justified. For this reason, in the church we speak the words of the Apostles’ Creed all year long. We believe, teach, and confess that Jesus Christ was, “…born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead.”
