Happy Easter!

Many German writings streching back to the 1500s express the origin of the easter bunny we now display in windows and in local grocery stores; announcing the beginning of the Spring season. The hare and the rabbit are known as one of the most fertile animals alive and serve as a god to many religions as the symbols of new life. Americans were first introduced to the easter bunny by the Germans closer to the 1700s. The arrival of the "oschter haws" was considered to be "childhood's greatest pleasure". Each year the children would build a nest in a secluded place in their home or surrounding gardens. There the boys could be found neglecting their best caps, and girls their precious bonnets, to return chasing away the field bunnies to find that the "oschter haws" had layed a glorious, beautiful nest of colored eggs. The eagerly awaited chocolate bunny, first made its appearance in the 1800s, made simply out of pastry and sugar. The easter bunny has became a beloved character amoung children and elders alike.


But the true story and celebration reaches far beyond the 1500s and begins in a time we have only been able create from buried artifacts. The history of Easter reaches far back to the days of the Romans mighty rule and the Jewish sacrifices. It is there that the Easter story was birthed. In a secluded stable a virgin gave birth to a humble man child. This child grew and displayed the ultimate sacrifice of unconditional love. Jesus marveled the listeners and charmed the children, yet was beaten and hung upon a splintered cross, envisioning far beyond his present situation and looking directly into the eyes of a simple Californian girl. Knowing the pain life would bring, not only to her, but to those surrounding her, he died to save her soul. Hebrews 9:22 states"...without [the] shedding of blood [there] is no remission." He gave His life so we could have the opportunity to be born again. He not only saw me, and gave me hope, but he saw each one of you who read this. In essence that is the whole reviving feeling of new life that spring has given to us each year. Flowers bloom and turn their heads to the out reaching sun, and frozen stagnant waters become rushing rivers of life. I am so thankful on this beautiful Good Friday! "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall(promise) not perish but have everlasting life" John 3:16



In the hustle and bustle of colors, pretty grass, and chocolate bunnies, take time to stop and reflect on the true meaning of our celebration. Consider who has given you the breath you breathe and the lives you now hold in your arms. God Bless you on this Glorious weekend, and may you always be filled with the refreshing life only a God as amazing as Jesus Christ can bring. Happy Easter!



Sincerely Yours,
a.rose