Did you know that the day after Easter is referred to as Easter Monday? It’s celebrated the day after the resurrection throughout some countries and churches. In fact, here in the United States, there is an egg rolling race at the White House. Unfortunately for most of us, we have to work.
The Easter egg roll turns 140 this year.
But Easter Monday is commemorated as a public holiday in many countries as part of the Easter period. It is celebrated as a day of rest, there are also Easter parades, and in some Polish communities, where it’s known as Splash Monday, children often play water games. Easter Monday, also known as Bright Monday or Renewal Monday, is observed primarily by the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions. It marks the beginning of Easter Week.
Some of these observances have more Christian symbolism in them than others, but none of them are explicitly biblical. The Bible does not say anything about what happened the day after Jesus’ resurrection. The only thing we do know comes from the written word at the end of the Four Gospels. In Mark 16:16-19 it is said that after speaking with the Disciples, Jesus was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
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The gifts of the Master are these: freedom, life, hope, new direction, transformation, and intimacy with God. If the cross was the end of the story, we would have no hope. But the cross isn’t the end. Jesus didn’t escape from death; he conquered it and opened the way to heaven for all who will dare to believe. The truth of this moment, if we let it sweep over us, is stunning. It means Jesus really is who he claimed to be, we are really as lost as he said we are, and he really is the only way for us to intimately and spiritually connect with God again. – Steven James, national bestselling author
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We should live with Jesus in our hearts all year long, not just during times of celebration. Remember He conquered the grave and came back to help us spread His gospel to all people.
No matter what you call it, whether you have the day off or you celebrate, Easter Monday should be a time to remember what Jesus did for us — how He died and was resurrected for our sins, not His. That’s how much God loves us. And knowing that, we should have a very happy Easter Monday.
If you or someone you know are in need of prayer, please let me know. I’ll be happy to pray for you.
