On This Holy Day, May His Light Guide Your Path, May His Love Grace Your Heart, And May His Sacrifice Strengthen Your Soul!

Many Christians worldwide celebrate Easter with special church services, music, candlelight, flowers and the ringing of church bells. Easter processions are held in some countries such as the Philippines and Spain. Many Christians view Easter as the greatest feast of the Church year. It is a day of joy and celebration to commemorate that Jesus Christ is risen, according to Christian belief.

Although Easter maintains great religious significance, many children in countries such as Australia, Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, think of it as a time to get new spring clothes, to decorate eggs and to participate in Easter egg hunts where eggs are hidden by the Easter Bunny. Some children receive Easter baskets full of candy, snacks, and presents around this time of the year.

Many Christians celebrate Easter Sunday as the day of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, which is written in the New Testament of the Christian bible. According to the Gospel of John in the New Testament, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb where Jesus was buried and found it empty. An angel told her that Jesus had risen. Christians worldwide have celebrated Easter for centuries.

In South Africa, this holy day is known as Good Friday, for Christians, Good Friday is a crucial day of the year because it celebrates what is believed to be the most momentous weekend in the history of the world. Ever since Jesus died and was raised, Christians have proclaimed the cross and resurrection of Jesus to be the decisive turning point for all creation. Paul considered it to be “of first importance” that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and was raised to life on the third day, all in accordance with what God had promised all along in the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3).

On Good Friday Christians remember the day Jesus willingly suffered and died by crucifixion as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins (1 John 1:10). It is followed by Easter, the glorious celebration of the day Jesus was raised from the dead, heralding his victory over sin and death and pointing ahead to a future resurrection for all who are united to him by faith (Romans 6:5).

There are so many things that people do on Good Friday and Easter:

Visit your local church.

In South Africa, Good Friday is celebrated by Christians from  different church denominations by attending the reading and sharing of the 7 bible scriptures that explain the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in 3 days, commonly known as the 7 words of Jesus Christ on the cross.

The Seven Words.

• “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” -Luke 23:34
• “Truly, I say to you,today you will be with me in paradise.” -Luke 23: 43
• “Jesus said to his mother”: “Woman this is your son.” Then he said to the desciple: “Son, this is your mother.” -John 19: 26-27
• “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” – Matthew 27: 46 and Mark 15: 34
• “I thirst.” – John 19:28
• When Jesus had received the wine he said: ” It is finished;” and he bowed his head and handed over the spirit -John 19: 30
• “Father into your hands I commend my spirit.”- Like 23:46

After this day comes Easter, when Jesus’ resurrection is celebrated – and many believe that all who are united with him by faith will be resurrected in the future.

However, many see the term ‘Good Friday’ as appropriate, because the suffering and death of Jesus marked God’s plan to save his people from their sins. It had to happen for Christians to appreciate and celebrate the joy of Easter – and Jesus chose to endure the suffering of the cross as he knew it would lead to his resurrection and the people’s salvation..