Not all Christians agree that we should be celebrating Easter. Rev. Brian Schwertley is one of them. While I don't agree with every thing he has to say on this subject, the following 3 sermons will definitely give you something to think about:
Rev. Schwertley tells about going to preach at a church and when they found out he did not believe in celebrating Easter they told him: "You don't believe in celebrating Easter? Then we don't even want to hear you preach! Get out of here!"
If it is true that the word "Easter," has something to do with a pagan goddess, then I agree Christians should not celebrate "Easter." But most Christians I know don't go to church on "Easter Sunday" to worship a pagan goddess, but rather to worship our risen Lord. And so many (myself included) prefer not even to call it Easter, but rather "Resurrection Day!"
1. The day of resurrection!
Earth, tell it out abroad;
The passover of gladness,
the passover of God.
From death to life eternal,
From earth unto the sky,
Our Christ hath brought us over.
With hymns of victory.
2. Our hearts be pure from evil,
that we may see aright
The Lord in rays eternal
of resurrection light;
and listening to his accent,
may hear, so calm and plain,
his own "All hail!" and, hearing,
may raise the victor strain.
3. Now let the heavens be joyful!
Let earth the song begin!
Let the round world keep triumph,
and all that is therein!
Let all things seen and unseen,
their notes in gladness blend,
for Christ the Lord is risen,
our joy that hath no end!
