As you may know that for the first time in 62 years, Easter coincides with the first day of April in 2018. Moreover, for Christians, it is a special occasion but also interesting day to watch and observe because few hours before Easter sunrise services, that is, Saturday night we’re going to see a “blue moon.” In addition, we can see five planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn) with our eyes in the Northern Hemisphere, which is a rare event to watch.
The events have meaning but how one prioritizes them makes a world of difference. We’re aware that April 1st for some it is a fool’s day, celebrating by playing jokes and spreading hoaxes in some parts of the world. Since this time Easter coincides with April Fools’ Day, it is an uncommon occurrence, and at the same time a challenging opportunity for many to play pranks on minor children and grown-ups. As we can see in the past these two events coincided on April 1, 1956, (i.e., during late baby boomers generation), providing one-time opportunity in a generation to have a serious conversation about the Easter celebration and to know the difference between the resurrection of Jesus Christ and April Fools’ Day.
How serious are we about these celebrations? Within two given options, which one has the meaningful observance? What do Easter bunny and egg mean on April Fools’ Day? What kind of pranks or jokes do we have on Easter Day?
In fact, it is a fool’s day for those who don’t celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Son of God. Only fools can spread a hoax or trick on this day. The only foolish person is serious about fooling another person on this day because of his or her beliefs. According to the Scripture, “the fool has said in his heart, “There is no God (Ps. 14:1 NKJV).”
According to recent the Economist report, 70% of young adults in Britain and 64% in France are untouched by organized faith. This report also stated that “followers of England’s state religion may soon be outnumbered by Muslims who now amount to 6% of the young cohort.”
It is very disturbing news for Christians because the great “Protestant Reformation” took place in Europe, especially started by Martin Luther, John Calvin, and many others. I think what Apostle Paul stated makes more sense to us that is, “professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man – birds and four-footed animals and creeping things (Rom. 1:22 NKJV).”
It is the fool who ignores the God’s word; therefore, He said to him, Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided (Lk. 12: 20 NIV).” It is the foolish person who doesn’t want to take serious action on His word; therefore, Jesus said “everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash (Mt. 7:26-27 NIV).”
For true believers, Easter is the “Good News” for celebration because of an assurance in the eternal life through Jesus Christ. For Christian parents, it is once in a generation opportunity to teach children about the importance of Easter rather than April Fools’ Day celebration. In fact, the breaking news and true story of this Sunday morning, April 1, 2018, news is that “He’s risen.” No hoax or jokes on this Easter day! This is the “Good News” to spread on this day. Therefore, for true believers, it is not fools’ but a day of worship and celebration.
Yes, “for we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saves us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:3-7 NKJV).”
For Christians it is a special day for celebration, and also day to reflect by watching the sky for His coming. Last night as I was writing this blog, I did watch the moon. No words to express it! Yes, Christians throughout the world on this special blue moon (Saturday) night, which is visible to naked eye along with five planets (in Northern Hemisphere), eagerly waiting for morning to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Moreover, believers are also waiting for His second coming as He gave us the signs of the times and the end of the age stating that “and there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken,. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near (Lk. 21:25-28 NIV).”
Don’t be fooled on this day by spreading hoaxes or tricking each other, rather take serious action since it is an opportunity to share the good news of a risen Christ, the Son of God. Happy Easter!