The meaning of Easter - What does it mean to you? The meaning of Easter is Jesus Christ's victory over death. His resurrection symbolizes the eternal life that is granted to all who believe in Him. The meaning of Easter also symbolizes the complete verification of all that Jesus preached and taught during His three-year ministry. If He had not risen from the dead, if He had merely died and not been resurrected, He would have been considered just another teacher or Rabbi. However, His resurrection changed all that and gave final and irrefutable proof that He was really the Son of God and that He had conquered death once and for all. However, Easter did not always symbolize Christ's resurrection from the dead and the meaning of Easter was quite different than what Christians celebrate today. The feast day of Easter was originally a pagan celebration of renewal and rebirth. Celebrated in the early spring, it honored the pagan Saxon goddess Eastre. When the early missionaries converted the Saxons to Christianity, the holiday, since it fell around the same time as the traditional memorial of Christ's resurrection from the dead, was merged with the pagan celebration, and became know as Easter. The meaning of Easter was also changed to reflect its new Christian orientation. Today, the meaning of Easter, for million of Christians, is that of honoring and recognizing Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead, and His glorious promises of eternal life for all who believe in Him. Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him. Have a BLESSED EASTER! Marion

Hi Marion, Thank you for that very interesting lesson about the origin of Easter. I wish you and yours a very Happy and Blessed Easter. Your Good Friend Deborah

Hi Marion, That was an interesting story. Georgis gave an account of how Easter eggs became a tradition as well as when people began coloring Easter Eggs. We traditionally Have Ham on Easter, Turkey on Christmas, Corned Beef and Cabbage on St. Patricks Day. It would be interesting to know what traditional meals in other Countries would be. I know that Bogdan Mentioned that they have their Turkey ready to prepare. Therefore, I assume that in Canada they celebrate Easter with Turkey. I hope we hear from others as to their traditional Feasts. HAPPY EASTER EVERYBODY!!! Mike http://michaeljcaron.tripod.com http://www.programhoppers.com?5695

HAPPY EASTER _WEASAK_PASSOVER_PASECH Peace …. I leave with you; My peace I give you. [Jesus] Praying that the Lord fills Your heart with Peace Holds you in his love and blesses you with His Grace … always MY FORUM: NAME'S, Origin, Definition FORUM: Origin Definition of names: Click BOGDAN _THEODORE http://community.adlandpro.com/forumShow.aspx?ForumID=12526 Thank you for the invitation Marion Warm Regards Georgios PS Today is Catholic Easter, my son's CHARALAMPOS DAY (chara+lampsis = happiness + lighting) connected to our Lord's Raising Next Sunday is Orthodox Easter, St George's Day, My name's day.

Hello Marion, I had heard about Eastre before. Although I have to work today I still get to go to church first but the main thing is that I know that HE IS ALIVE! God bless you! Carla :)