Easter is a movable feast, meaning its date changes each year. Unlike Christmas, which always falls on December 25th, Easter can occur on any Sunday between March 22nd and April 25th. But how do we determine when Easter falls each year? What is Easter’s date?
The lunar calendar determines the date of Easter. This date is closely connected to Passover, the Jewish holiday that Jesus celebrated with His disciples at the Last Supper before His crucifixion. Passover takes place on the 14th day of Nisan, the first month of the Jewish ecclesiastical calendar. Because of this connection, Easter follows a similar timing.
In 325 AD, leaders at the Council of Nicaea formally set the method for determining Easter’s date. They decided that Easter would fall on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox (March 21st). This formula, based on the timing of Passover, aimed to unify the celebration of Christ’s resurrection across the Christian world.
Since the first full moon after the equinox varies each year, Easter falls on different Sundays. The lunar cycle reflects the Jewish origins of Christianity and ensures that Easter always takes place in the spring. This timing symbolizes new life and rebirth.
What Does Easter Mean?
Easter is more than just a holiday on the calendar. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the foundation of the Christian faith. According to the New Testament, Jesus died on Good Friday and rose from the dead on the third day. Christians celebrate this event as Easter Sunday.
Jesus’ resurrection represents victory over sin, death, and the grave. Christians find assurance in this event because it promises eternal life, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God. The Apostle Paul highlights the resurrection’s importance in 1 Corinthians 15:14, saying, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” Without the resurrection, Christianity would lack its hope and purpose.
The word “Easter” has multiple possible origins. Some believe it comes from Eostre, a pagan goddess associated with spring, fertility, and renewal. Early European Christians may have used her name for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection, though scholars debate this theory. Others trace “Easter” to the Latin “Pascha,” which comes from the Hebrew word for Passover. This connection highlights the link between Jesus’ death, resurrection, and the Jewish Passover.
For Christians, Easter serves as a powerful reminder of the new life that Jesus’ sacrifice and victory over death provide. It offers a time to reflect on salvation, humanity’s redemption, and the eternal life that Jesus gives to those who believe.
Why Do We Go to Church on Sundays Instead of Saturdays?
Early Christians originally worshiped on the Sabbath, which Jewish tradition observed on Saturday. The Sabbath, the seventh day of the week, focused on rest and worship. Exodus 20:8-11 commands believers to remember and keep the Sabbath holy. For Jews, this day played a central role in their weekly rhythm, emphasizing rest, reflection, and honoring God’s creation.
However, after Jesus’ resurrection, early Christians began gathering on Sunday, the first day of the week. They chose this day to commemorate Jesus rising from the dead. The Gospels record that Jesus rose on a Sunday (Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:2-6, Luke 24:1-8, John 20:1-18). This event reshaped Christian worship, making Sunday the primary day for gathering.
The Apostle John refers to Sunday as the Lord’s Day in Revelation 1:10, reinforcing its significance. By the end of the 1st century, Christian communities regularly met on Sundays to break bread, pray, and celebrate the resurrection. As Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, believers recognized Sunday as the Christian day of worship, setting it apart from the Jewish Sabbath.
In 321 AD, Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Constantine, which declared Sunday a day of rest across the Roman Empire. His decision helped establish Sunday as the official day of Christian worship. Over time, Christians fully embraced Sunday as a day to gather, reflect, and honor the resurrection of Christ.
Christians worship on Sunday to remember that Christ’s resurrection is the foundation of their faith. Each Sunday serves as a mini-Easter—a weekly reminder of Jesus’ victory over sin and death. Believers gather as a community to celebrate God’s grace and renew their faith in the hope of eternal life.
The Spiritual Significance of Sunday Worship
Sunday worship carries deep spiritual meaning. It is not just a tradition but a weekly opportunity to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and the new life He offers. Christians come together to worship, pray, and hear God’s Word. Each Sunday reminds them that Christ’s victory over death gives them hope and purpose.
By worshiping on Sunday, Christians also participate in an ancient practice that marks the beginning of something new. Just as Christ’s resurrection signaled a new era in human history, each Sunday offers a fresh start for believers. They can renew their faith, reflect on Christ’s love, and grow in their spiritual journey.
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Conclusion: Embrace the Meaning of Easter and Sunday Worship
Understanding Easter’s timing, the meaning behind its celebration, and the reasons for Sunday worship can strengthen your spiritual journey. Easter reminds us of Christ’s victory over death and invites us to live in the light of His resurrection. Worshiping on Sundays honors the resurrection and provides a weekly opportunity to grow in faith with a community of believers.
Call to Action
This Easter, take time to reflect on Christ’s resurrection and its impact on your life. If you don’t already belong to a church community, consider attending a service to experience the hope and renewal that Easter brings. Every Sunday, make worship a priority, gather with fellow believers, and strengthen your faith. Whether it’s Easter or any other Sunday, remember that Jesus is alive—and because of Him, we have new life.
