Why Easter?

Flowers and trees burst forth into bloom; Sunshine spreads warmth all around. Winter’s brown turns lush and green; The beauty of spring abounds! Boys and girls dye eggs in bright hues; New clothes are purchased for church. Families rise early for Sunrise Service; Excited children for hidden eggs search! Those who celebrate Easter this way Have much enjoyment, no doubt! The fun and excitement lasts several days— But is this what Easter’s really about? Just as springtime tells of new life, The story of Easter reveals the same. It’s really all about Jesus— And understanding the reason He came.1 All was perfect when God made the world ‘Till one day man disobeyed. Man’s close relation with God was broken; Sin brought suffering still here today.2 But God’s love for us has not decreased In spite of the sin we commit. He still wants a relationship with us— Desiring for heaven to make us fit.3 Since God is holy, sin can’t enter heaven; Justice says payment for sin must be met. But in His mercy He planned a substitute— His only Son, Jesus, would pay our debt!4 So Jesus came to live on the earth, Knowing the real reason why. One night He was taken and falsely accused, Beaten, then nailed on a cross to die!5 Some caring men then took His body And gently laid it inside a tomb. A heavy stone was rolled to the door; His body lay three days in that room.6 Yet Jesus said He’d come back alive— For how could a dead Savior save? So early that Easter morning, Two angels appeared at the grave!7 They had good news for those who came— Turning deep sorrow to joy that day: “He’s no longer here; for He has risen; Come see the place where Jesus lay!”8 The risen Jesus to many appeared! They knew without doubt: “He’s alive!” After forty days He returned to heaven; Back from His mission He had arrived.9 What’s Easter about? Jesus’ dying for sins, And His miraculous return to life again! If we turn from our way and fully trust Him, He’ll give new life, and eternity in heaven! 10 Will you tell Him you’ve sinned; You believe He died in your place; You receive Him as Savior—and then Seek to please Him the rest of your days?11 “Why Easter?” is based on God’s Word—the Bible. Please consider seriously whether or not you have received the free gift of salvation which Jesus offers to all, and what priority He has in your daily living. Take some time to read these important Bible verses which are referenced in the poem. Verses Referenced 1: John 3:17; 1 Timothy 1:15; John 1:4; 1 John 3:5 2: Genesis 1:31; Genesis 3:1-19; Romans 5:12; Romans 8:22 3: John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 2 Peter 3:9; Ephesians 2:13 4: Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:4; 2 Corinthians 5:21 5: Matthew 20:28; Luke 19:10; John 4:34; Matthew 27:22-31 6: John 19:38-42; Mark 15:46 7: Luke 18:31-33; Luke 24:1-4 8: Matthew 28:5-10 9: 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Acts 1:2,3,9-11; Ephesians 1:19-20 10: Mark 1:15; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:1-9 11: John 3:36; John 1:12; 1 John 2:6; John 14:15 Poem by Karen S.