ordeal of crucifixion on the Friday, He arose triumphantly from death and the grave on the Sunday morning, the first day of the week the Bible says (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:2; Luke 24:1; John 20:1).

The Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth became central to the Christian faith.

Without it the Crucifixion would not have the impact that it does -- since there were many crucifixions in Jesus' day. On Jesus' resurrection hinges our future resurrection, that is, the resurrection of all who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour when He returns for His Church. There are, of course, other doctrines which are fundamental to Christianity, but the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is what uniquely distinguishes the Christian religion from all others. The Apostle Paul refers to this event as "the first fruits of them that slept.'' (1 Cor. 15:20).

If the Resurrection of Jesus the Christ is central to Easter celebrations, where have all these other traditions come from, like Easter bunnies, and Easter eggs, and kites and hot cross buns? The truth of the matter is that they have very little or nothing to do with the Resurrection of Jesus. It has to be admitted that the term "Easter'' is a very unfortunate word used for the Resurrection of Jesus. The King James Version uses the word "Easter'' in Acts 12:4. The correct translation of the Greek "pascha'' would be "Passover,'' as other translations have rendered that word. It is known that long before Christianity that the Babylonians celebrated the vernal equinox with a goddess named Ishtar.

The Germanic Saxons also had a goddess named Easter. Involved in these celebrations were fertility symbols such as rabbits and eggs. Later Christians did not totally discard these practices, but did acknowledge that concentration should centre on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ which occurred at the time of the Jewish Passover.

Personally speaking, while I may enjoy kites, hot cross buns, fish cakes, Easter bonnets, Easter eggs and such things, for me the real celebration is of the Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.

The old Negro Spiritual said: All glory to the Prince of Peace Who robed himself in clay; And entered the iron gates of death And took the sting away.

C. F. G Gellert (1715-69) echoed the words of celebration and triumph when he wrote: Jesus lives! Thy terror now Can, O death, no more appal us; Jesus lives! By this we know Thou, O grave, canst not enthral us: Alleluia! Jesus lives! Henceforth is death Entrance-gate of life immortal; This shall calm our trembling breath When we pass its gloomy portal: Alleluia! Jesus lives! To Him the throne High o'er heaven and earth is given; May we go where he is gone, Live and reign with him in heaven: Alleluia! Rev. Conway Simmons