Easter is the greatest celebration of the Christian Church. But what does the word “Easter” mean? Where and when was it first celebrated? Some scholars believe that the the word derives from an old German term meaning “sunrise.”
Whatever its meaning, it is the oldest celebration of the Christian Church.
A custom, still widely practiced today, finds the pastor addressing the congregation on Easter Sunday morning with the glorious words: “He is risen!” The congregation shouts in return: “He is risen indeed!” For 2,000 years the foundation of Christianity has rested securely on this simple yet unfathomable truth: Jesus is alive! And the resurrection of Jesus Christ has given rise to a living hope for those who believe it.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 1 Peter 1:3