We have had a few blog commenters question why we don’t do Easter eggs, bunnies, and baskets. Instead of answering privately, or in a limited way on the blog, it seemed worthy of doing a complete post that addresses the subject because there may be others who are wondering with an open spirit. I’m assuming these were honest questions, and since they weren’t labeled as private, I list them below.
“Steve, with all due respect, what is wrong with the little girls having Easter baskets? You can focus on Christ and the Resurrection but still have baskets and Easter hunts. Millions of devout Christians do it. I’m glad I got to do both as a kid. May Day is coming up. Maybe the big girls and Sarah can help the little girls make May baskets, put flowers in them, and share them with the neighbors, or the folks at the nursing home. I don’t think this would be sinful.” Reader A
“I notice that you’ve stated that you try to focus on Christ. That’s definitely the reason for the season; but, I’m curious what’s wrong with having Easter baskets or sweets? You share gifts at Christmas. . .” Reader B
Christianity is not a democracy, and if millions of “devout” Christians exercise their faith in a particular way, it doesn’t necessarily make it pleasing to the Lord. Living one’s life according to the Bible should be every professing Christian’s desire and practice. I do understand that many churches have bunnies and baskets to perhaps reach the lost. Each person/church’s conduct/choices are between them and the Lord.
Have you ever tried to look at two things at once? If they are any distance apart, you really have to choose to look at one or the other. Bunnies, baskets, and the Lord Jesus are light years apart — there’s no biblical support, not even a natural tie-in or segue between them. Generally, I’ve found the more desirable something is to the flesh, the more likely it will be the one that wins. Give children the choice of bunnies and baskets versus Jesus, and I can guarantee you what most children will choose to anticipate and remember — the morning discussion of Christ’s resurrection or the fun candy filled egg hunt outside? When they get older will they make the right choice? Hopefully, but why set up our children to be double-minded? “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” (James 4:8)
Next, if a Christian’s walk is determined by only things that aren’t wrong, they are missing much that fills a walk that is pleasing to the Lord. They really aren’t seeking God’s best, just avoiding outright sin. Would you rather have a child who just didn’t disobey (according to their definition of disobedience), or one who truly wanted to please you? From my observations, many “Christians” spend empty lives doing things they consider not sin, while missing a fruitful life that is dedicated to following the Lord. “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Frankly, not doing bunnies and baskets would hardly even qualify as denying oneself or taking up a cross.
The argument for doing something because it was done as a child and was enjoyable is similar to why many participate in Halloween, which is one of the most wicked “holidays” there is. Yet, scores of “Christians” do. Regardless of what one did in the past, shouldn’t the decision for today be made as to what pleases the Lord? Those who share that the bunnies and baskets are fond memories for them, probably lack similar sweet memories of a family who celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ and His redemption of fallen man. The bunnies and baskets memories will be paramount.
I want my children’s memories of Resurrection Sunday to be Jesus Christ crucified, risen, and coming again. When they are eighty, I want them to think back on their childhood Resurrection Sundays with praise and joy in their hearts for a God Who loved them so much that He gave His Son for their salvation. Those are the memories I am attempting to build in my children’s lives.
Having an egg hunt for the family on Resurrection Sunday is similar to celebrating Mother’s Day by the family watching basketball, when Mom hates basketball. Resurrection Sunday is a day that is to be all about Jesus!
Regardless of one’s intentions or motives, the Lord does look at what we do and say. Consider when Jesus had just told His disciples He was going to the cross. They knew that meant a horrible and painful death for Jesus and the loss of the One they loved and had given their lives to. Peter’s intentions were wonderful, but his thinking was worldly and not according to the Lord’s will. When Peter protested against Jesus’ crucifixion, Jesus responded with this statement: “Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men” (Matthew 16:23). We see that personal evaluations such as “It’s only harmless fun” or “I see nothing wrong with it,” don’t seem to gather much credit with the Lord unless they line up with God’s will.
There is such blessing in seeking God’s will in things and foregoing man’s ideas. Notice we didn’t condemn those who choose to do baskets and bunnies. That is not for us to do, but each will give account for their actions — even every idle word. “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:36).
Nathan is responsible for whether his girls receive bunnies, and baskets, and I’m pleased they didn’t for reasons mentioned here.
I’ve never given May Day any thought as an outreach. One could put a track in each basket with the flowers and candy. Not a bad idea. Why don’t you do it, and let us know how it goes?
We do give gifts at Christmas, but have nothing to do with Santa Claus. I think a fictitious Santa Claus is a better comparison to an Easter bunny as Santa Claus has as much to do with Jesus’ birth as an Easter bunny has to do with His resurrection.
My encouragement is: know the Lord Jesus as your personal Savior, know His will, obey Him, be at peace with yourself and other’s decisions, and bask in His love. That’s a formula for no regrets!
Steve
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
–1 Corinthians 10:31
