Dear brothers & sisters in Christ!

            One of my favorite childhood cereals to eat was Trix. Back in the day, it wasn’t the different fruit shapes that it is now. Back in my day, it was just little round colorful balls. However, the commercials for them hasn’t changed. The memorable line is “Silly rabbit! Trix are for kids!”

            I randomly thought of this in thinking about Easter. However, instead of “Silly rabbit! Trix are for kids!”, it should be “Silly rabbit! Easter is for Jesus!” And to be perfectly honest with you … I’ve never really understood the whole connection between the “Easter Bunny” and Easter anyway. For one, when we get Easter candy, it usually comes from eggs. Bunnies don’t lay eggs, chickens do. So how does that all work out? And besides, why is the Easter bunny human, adult size and walks on two legs? It’s no wonder that little kids are scared of him.

            And while there are these random abnormalities that make me question the whole Easter bunny stuff … I can kind of, sort of see come comparisons, but definitely some differences with the Easter Bunny and Jesus.

            First off … the Easter bunny brings candy and other little presents. As confusing as this may be, the candy and little presents are nice, but in reality, they don’t last long (unless they are the black jelly beans, those get left behind for weeks before they get thrown away!). Whereas, with Jesus, He gives us a gift that doesn’t get old, get stale, get eaten, or get boring. Jesus gives us the awesome gift of eternal life. While the blessings of eternal life are not 100% present now, we do daily receive God’s blessings in our lives, for He gives us exactly what we need to survive and reassures us of His eternal presence.

            While the Easter bunny is all cute and fluffy … that wears off too. If it’s anything like our little puppy, the hair gets dirty and eventually they start stink and need a bath. This temporary cuteness doesn’t even come close to comparing with Jesus. Jesus conquered death, hell, and the grave. Sure, Jesus was all beaten and bloody when He was led away to the cross to be crucified … but when He rose from the grave, He rose in perfection. Jesus went through all this for you and me, so that our dirty, sinful bodies may be washed clean by His blood and restored to perfection on the last day when He comes again. Because of what Jesus has done, we don’t need to fear death at all.

            Here’s another thought … have you ever noticed that once Easter is over, the Easter bunny disappears? The stores start tearing down the decorations and pictures. Some stores even start doing this before Easter arrives so that they can the merchandise stuff up for the next holiday. Also, when was the last time you hung out with the Easter bunny on Easter? I never have! And besides, the Easter bunny leaves the eggs and baskets and then heads out.

            Jesus, on the other hand, He doesn’t take off when the holiday is over! Jesus doesn’t sneak around trying not to be seen. Instead, He wants to be seen. He wants a place within our hearts and lives. He wants to walk with you through the trials and valleys you face. Jesus wants to be there in both the good and the bad times.

            Jesus loves us with an everlasting love. God in Jeremiah 31:3 says, “I have loved you my people with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.” Jesus draws us to Himself because He wants a relationship with us. And He did what needed to be done to make that happen. So when you and I are going through a difficult time, be encouraged! Jesus is there with you! He’s been through trials and wants to lead you through yours.

            So today … be thankful for Jesus! This Easter, don’t focus just on the candy, the presents, and the Easter bunny, but remember what it is we celebrate. We celebrate the resurrection of our Savior. We celebrate that Jesus has broken the power of sin, death, and Satan. We celebrate that He desires to know you and be known by you!

            Have fun with the candy and the Easter bunny, but remember, “Silly rabbit! Easter is for Jesus!”

            God’s blessings and a blessed Easter to you!

Pastor Mike