Is it Wrong For Christians to Give out Easter Eggs and Bunnies on Easter?
In my time I have discovered that Christians can cause lots of confusion about God. As Easter approaches we will begin to see all kinds of complaining that Christians are wrong to celebrate Easter by handing out Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies, and baskets. Some say “Easter eggs aren’t Christian” or “it’s a Pagan tradition to give out Easter baskets”. So we thought we’d address this guilt and condemnation that legalism can put on believers in Jesus Christ.
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Is it wrong for Christians to give out Easter Eggs, Bunnies, or Baskets?
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Is it okay for Christians to dress up on Halloween?
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Are Christmas Trees a Pagan Tradition?
The religious ego will run all over us to tell us these things are all wrong, but I submit to you that, in most cases, there is absolutely nothing wrong with these traditions. I’m not going to address this like some over-the-top religious fanatic. I want to be real with you – and I think Jesus would do the same.
Being a Christian is about the heart. It’s about believing that Jesus is the Son of God, sent in the flesh, dying on the cross, and being the full propitiation for sin. It’s about believing that Jesus was raised from the dead and that we too were crucified and raised with Him – through faith. Christianity is something we celebrate minute by minute, and not on a specific day such as Easter, Christmas, or Good Friday. Being Christian is about being in Christ moment by moment.
Colossians 2:16-17 Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day— things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ.
The fact that you choose to give out candy on Easter or bring your kids to see the Easter bunny does not imply pagan worshiping. The reality is Christians do not worship Easter eggs or bunny rabbits. To us, it’s just something fun that we do with our kids and loved ones. Not for a moment do we elevate an Easter egg above Jesus. We are not bowing down and praising the Easter bunny. In the same way, we are not worshiping Christmas trees or calling on evil Spirits when we put on a costume for Halloween. What I am saying is this….in most of the cases, it’s not a problem for Christians unless you’re worshiping something other than Jesus. We are free in Christ to enjoy the man-made celebrations with our family and friends. They’re just silly days and fun excuses to give out candy and gifts to the people we love.
I personally think it’s a bigger concern when someone thinks we need to carve out a certain day to worship God. Worship is something we never stop doing. You don’t need a building, a special church service, or a special day to worship God. You worship God moment by moment as you give thanks and praise to Him and let Jesus live in and through you.
In summary:
Do you know Jesus as your personal savior and have you placed your faith in Him alone? Was there a time when you asked Him to save you from your sins and come into your heart? Do you believe in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus? If you have called on the name of the Lord then you are free in Christ and should not let people judge you over a silly celebration. You know who you worship, and you know the difference between a bunny rabbit and the God of the universe. Relax. Enjoy life.
Galatians 3:10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
Author: Mike Cynar
Mike Cynar was raised in a church setting where he frequently noticed that many attendees would eventually drift away. The church labeled these individuals as ‘back sliders’ or ‘fake Christians’ just looking for ‘fire insurance’. However, Mike realized the issue was rarely with these individuals but instead with the church’s message itself. The teachings heavily emphasized behavior improvement and one’s flaws, with only a fleeting mention of one’s identity in Christ. It felt as though every sermon was tailored to the church of Corinth, who as we know or committing sins that even unbelievers don’t partake in. This trend was noticeable not just in one denomination, but across Baptist, Catholic, Pentecostal, and many other churches. Upon understanding the true essence of the gospel – that our righteousness comes from Jesus’ actions, not our own – Mike was inspired to liberate believers from lifeless sermons and reconnect them with the genuine teachings of Jesus. He believes that one can nurture a vibrant and growing bond with Jesus, unhindered by rigid religious practices. And thus, “Jesus Without Religion” was born.
It turns out that it is grace that leads to repentance. And if our heart is to get others to walk in the Spirit and live a godly life, then the best approach is not a beat down sermon, but rather to remind other that it is only when we understand our true identity in Christ that we will live it out. Yes, it’s true, if you’re convinced that God thinks you’re a dirty sinner, you will ultimately continue a lifestyle that mirrors that view, but if you truly believe that even on your worst day, you are called holy, sanctified, justified, and will be presented blameless in the end, well, it turns out this is the secret to living out on the outside what has been worked in to the inside.
