Essay by Adeline Jones

What Easter Means to Me

By Adeline Jones

(1st place winner of the Easter essay contest grades 5-8)

There is something about the spring that always brings me joy. The flowers blooming, the smell of fresh rain, the cold winter passing and the warm summer coming near. And, of course, Easter Sunday, the best day of spring.

Waking up on Easter morning is a wonderful feeling. My brother always wakes me up early and brings me to the living room. There we find two baskets filled to the brim with tasty candy and cute presents. My brother and I always eat our candy for breakfast and then get dressed for church. At church we listen to a great sermon and then go outside for an Easter egg hunt! To end the day, we eat a late lunch at my Nana and Papa’s house. Ham, green beans, Jello eggs and more, Easter dinners are so good. As I get into bed at night I think about all the fun things I got to do for Easter. The candy, the presents, the food, and of course, spending time with my loving family. I wondered why. Why am I able to do all of these fun things. The simple answer is Jesus Christ.

When I was younger I knew that Jesus died on a cross to save our sins. Then he was resurrected and made his ascent to heaven. That was all I knew. It wasn’t until now that I realized how important his death and resurrection really is. Jesus spent his whole life healing the sick, teaching God’s word, and loving all people. He came down from heaven to a world full of evil to save people who hated him. While I got candy and presents, Jesus got a crown of thorns and vinegar to drink. While I got to go to church with people who love me, Jesus was mocked and spat on. While I ate a nice meal, Jesus was starved and suffering on the cross for me.

Throughout the long year I forget the sacrifice that Jesus made. Easter means alot to me because it reminds me of how blessed I am to have someone give up their life to save my sins. Easter makes me grateful for the things I have and the people around me. It also makes me determined to spread God’s love and word throughout the world. I love Easter.

“For he rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14