Let’s give true meaning to Easter
Christians in Ghana, would once again join their counterparts throughout the world to celebrate Easter.
The festival commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial following his crucifixion.
Easter amplifies the triumph over death, the power of hope, and the importance of faith, love, peace and good neighbourliness, which are key to the Christian faith and provide a foundation for living a life of hope and purpose.
Paul in the Bible, emphasises that the resurrection of Jesus is central to Christianity and the foundation for believers’ hope of resurrection. He argues that “if Christ was not raised, then the preaching and faith are vain, and Christians are still in their sins.”
Over the years, in Ghana, just as in other parts of the Christian world, Easter has been a blend of religious observance and social celebrations. It’s a public holiday in Ghana, and people would as usual flock the Church to sing praises to God for another joyful event, engage in family gatherings, and participate in outdoor events.
The religious activities is the culmination of the Passion of Christ, preceded by Lent, a 40- day period of fasting, prayer and penance.
Palm Sunday, observed on the Sunday which precedes Easter, commemorates Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, an event mentioned in each of the four canonical Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
It is followed by Good Friday, a day celebrated to remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ at Golgotha. This is the day Christians believe Jesus sacrificed Himself on the cross for the redemption of humanity’s sins, offering salvation and eternal life to all believers.
The festival is climaxed on Sunday, the day of the resurrection. Although Easter Monday, as it has become known, is not part of the holy days of Easter, it nevertheless remains an important day on the calendar with social gatherings.
While Easter is a Christian celebration, its essence is not limited to adherents of the faith, and Christians would be expected to make peace with one another and believers of other faiths.
Jesus, throughout his teachings, mainly through parables or allegories, espoused love, peace, hope, compassion, and salvation. He detested injustice and oppression, and also demonstrated a heart for the marginalised, down-trodden, vulnerable, including widows, orphans, prisoners and sinners.
The celebration of Easter is not merely a time for festivities, but an opportunity to reflect on affairs of society, repent from sins, and resolve to embrace love, compassion and sacrifice embodied in Jesus Christ.
The Easter story empowers us to live with hope, trust, and forgiveness, focusing on life’s possibilities rather than limitations.
The Ghanaian Times encourages the celebration of Easter, but cautions against alcoholism, drunkenness, drug abuse, sexual licentiousness and other immoral activities that often characterise social events at beaches and other entertainment spots, by the youth.
After all, Easter is a revered period that requires higher moral standards, to flee from sin and anti-social behaviours, and to embrace a life of virtue and righteousness.
As we observe Easter, our leaders too, should resolve to promote peace and national reconciliation, and intensify efforts at ending corruption, trade malpractices and environmental degradation that negatively impact efforts towards progress.
Church leaders are reminded that they do not only have a responsibility to preach against dishonesty, deceit and unrighteousness, but to also foster peace, love, unity, stability and reconciliation at both spiritual and societal levels.
The paper believes these are the only means of giving true meaning to Easter, and wish you all an eventful celebration.