"Don't eat me! Eat him," "Take me home, please," "psst... psst... Do I look good?" In the deepest shadow of my mind, I swore that I heard a whispering scream echoing from that box saying, "WHO AND WHY IS THIS DETESTABLE AND HAIRLESS THING STARING AT ME!?" What I mentioned above is probably far from what this chocolate bunny is thinking, but I sure hope that he is not assuming that I would take him home as his pet! If he is, he's in for an unpleasant surprise.
Chocolate bunnies are one of things firmly attributed with Easter, but it seems like people forgot the reason why Easter was founded in the first place. Take a moment and ask yourselves, "What is the true reason for Easter?" You probably already know the reason for this holiday, but do you know the TRUE meaning behind Easter? It is not about chocolate bunnies. It is not about marshmallow bunnies or peeps. It is not about candies that you receive in the morning. The whole reason this holiday began is to remember a man who died such a horrid and shameful death: Jesus Christ.
"Oh my gosh... Here he goes again! I have heard enough about this already! Enough preaching about Jesus who is long dead!"
Listen my friends... just give me a chance to tell you about the reason why this day exist. Instead of reading what I have to say about this season, I want to present you with a short article that I found after searching on Google.
It's the cross. It was the instrument of torture and unimaginable pain, not a piece of jewelry or an icon of mystical power.
It's the blood. Hot, pulsing and running down human flesh, coming from degrading, humiliating, beyond painful, physical punishment.
It's the end of the story about the little Baby in the manger who came to die in submission and humility for us.
It's the beginning of the story about the Alpha and Omega, the One who stands in power and majesty for us, resurrected to eternal life and exalted to His own Kingdom.
It's victory; a once and for all, end-of-the-world kind of victory. The resurrection is a complete and total victory over death, and over anything that leads to death.
It's for all who want it, for the entire world, for the entire universe, for God's kingdom forever! And for you and for me, in our own little worlds.
It's finished. Done with, over, complete. We need to do nothing but accept it.
It's free, but it will cost everything and you will give it willingly because once you have fully tasted it's freedom, you will see that it is priceless.
And that, my brother and my sister, is the result and reason for Easter.
Excerpted from http://www.thischristianlife.com/articles/byrd0302b.html
After reading this short excerpt, let me express my thoughts on this topic. Easter is not all about chocolate bunnies, candies or eggs. Easter was established to honor a man named Jesus Christ who died on the Cross for ALL of our sins so that we can be reunited with God. All of your personal faults that you did in the past will be forgiven. Eradicated. Forgotten. The only requirement that God has for us is to give up our lives willingly to God and believe that Jesus Christ died on the Cross and resurrected on the third day from death. This gift that God has for you right now is priceless. What else in the world can compare this to what God has to offer to you?
Take a moment and think about this... this is one of the biggest decision that you will face in your lifetime. Whatever you decide will have consequences. Let me tell you something... I cannot force you to start believing in God. It is your own choice.
Before you switch to another Blog or do something else, grant me one favor. Please read this poem titled "Salvation" by Joseph Raymond because it speaks from my own heart.
I am one of Adam's race
whose nature betrays the truth
like all those who have come before
I'm stained with the mark of sin
for in my mind I'll have my own way
not heeding the call of my heart
for my flesh cries aloud, "Give, Give"
and I as a slave obey.
Justified, justified, I cry aloud
yet God's hand presses down
'til choices made exact the toll
of conscience seared and dead.
No right have I to heavens realm
where life and love abound
for all fall short, all have sinned
I await the penalty due.
Once in time His grace appeared
so very long ago
Bethlehem's child was born that day
to pay the price foretold
and not for His but ours it's said
upon death's cross He hung.
With final breathe and blood outpoured
He cried, "dear Abba, 'tis done".
It was not long He stayed below
for Father's love remembered
was not for His but others life
the ransom price was paid.
With but a touch, embued new life
and raised him from the dead
new Adam, new race, new covenant,
for all who'd but believe.
For me and you it has been done
To give this gift so vital
immortal life, eternal love,
a way through heaven's portal.
With heart belief comes righteousness
salvation with mouth is made
proclaiming truth with heartfelt faith
newness of life begins.
No more the Jew nor gentile be
distinction can't be found
for now the time for all to make
decision, loss or gain.
The cross of Christ divides in two
the mass of people here
no more shall I be put to shame
his cross of love I'll bear.
Not by works, nor by law
but mercy couched in grace
believe He is the Son of God
who paid the debt of old.
Anointed one, Lord of life
come to me this day
I humbly bow my knee to you
as life begins anew.
Excerpted from http://www.christianmuse.com/heartsongs/p-salvation.shtml
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