Like many of our Christian holidays, there is a little pagan mixed in. At Christmas we have Christmas tree's, and at Easter, we have the Easter bunny. Supposedly early Christians adopted some of the practices of the pagan rituals and celebrations in order to be more attractive to those they were trying to convert.
I did not grow up believing in the Easter bunny, but I did get Easter baskets.
My husband grew up getting a basket from the Easter bunny, and my daughter will most likely do the same. I personally believe this is harmless, because while this will happen my husband and I plan to emphasize to Emma the reason we celebrate Easter.
She will always know the importance and significance of this holiday.
With that said, I think it is interesting that Christians have been trying to make Christ look better for so many years.
.
Why do we feel we have to do that?
This happens today as well. We have big programs and plays to attract people to church. We have services where one service is "traditional" with traditional music (hymns, etc), and traditional preaching. The next service is contemporary with special effects, and videos, and skits or plays, etc. When did running a church require a degree in marketing?
Okay, I know it does not require a degree in marketing, but you get my point.
Why is the simple, amazing message of the Cross not good enough?
Why do we feel that Jesus needs improved upon?
I prefer the simplicity of the Message of Jesus Christ. I prefer a worship service that serves as a catalyst into the presence of God, rather than an entertainment show. Whether hymns are being sung, or any of my favorite worship songs, they are simply tools to help me focus and enter in to His presence.
We have made things so complex and difficult as Christians (in general). I am not saying Easter programs, or anything like that are wrong.
Really, I am not.
I just think it is sad that Christians feel as if they/we need to make Christ look better, when usually we just end up making Him look horrible.
When the power of God broke out at the Brownsville church in Pensacola, FL. it was God who brought the people in the doors. Not a program, not a preacher, but the power of God.
His presence.
Any time there has been an outbreak of the presence of God like that people are drawn to Him, not to the program.
I think this is proof enough that God does not need any help looking better.
I did not grow up believing in the Easter bunny, but I did get Easter baskets.
My husband grew up getting a basket from the Easter bunny, and my daughter will most likely do the same. I personally believe this is harmless, because while this will happen my husband and I plan to emphasize to Emma the reason we celebrate Easter.
She will always know the importance and significance of this holiday.
With that said, I think it is interesting that Christians have been trying to make Christ look better for so many years.
.
Why do we feel we have to do that?
This happens today as well. We have big programs and plays to attract people to church. We have services where one service is "traditional" with traditional music (hymns, etc), and traditional preaching. The next service is contemporary with special effects, and videos, and skits or plays, etc. When did running a church require a degree in marketing?
Okay, I know it does not require a degree in marketing, but you get my point.
Why is the simple, amazing message of the Cross not good enough?
Why do we feel that Jesus needs improved upon?
I prefer the simplicity of the Message of Jesus Christ. I prefer a worship service that serves as a catalyst into the presence of God, rather than an entertainment show. Whether hymns are being sung, or any of my favorite worship songs, they are simply tools to help me focus and enter in to His presence.
We have made things so complex and difficult as Christians (in general). I am not saying Easter programs, or anything like that are wrong.
Really, I am not.
I just think it is sad that Christians feel as if they/we need to make Christ look better, when usually we just end up making Him look horrible.
When the power of God broke out at the Brownsville church in Pensacola, FL. it was God who brought the people in the doors. Not a program, not a preacher, but the power of God.
His presence.
Any time there has been an outbreak of the presence of God like that people are drawn to Him, not to the program.
I think this is proof enough that God does not need any help looking better.
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