Easter, 2008

Easter is the most significant celebration of the Christian life. It is when we pause to remember both the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is also an important “feast” in the church year. At ROC, we actually have a feast, our annual Seder. Have you ever wondered why we call it Easter? Believe it or not, it may have more to do with fertility and a pagan celebration than with Jesus. The word could be a variation of Estre or Eastre – a Teutonic goddess of springtime and hence of fertility. You will recognize it as the root of the word estrogen. So, what is a better word? Many scholars say that a better word for the season is “Pasch,” (pronounced pask) from the Greek word we translate as “Passover.” This word better tells of the continuity between the Hebrew and Christian tradition. Below is a very old Paschal hymn (600s AD).

At the Lamb’s high banquet called to share,
Arrayed in garments white and fair,
The Red Sea past, we not would sing
To Jesus, our triumphant king.

Protected in the Paschal night
From the destroying angel’s might,
In triumph went the ransomed free
From Pharaoh’s cruel tyranny.

Now Christ our Passover is slain,
The Lamb of God without a stain;
His flesh, the true unleavened bread,
Is freely offered in our stead.

O all-sufficient Sacrifice,
Beneath thee hell defeated lies;
Thy captive people are set free,
And endless life restored in thee.