Easter Devotional 2023 - Day 5: Easter is About the Bunnies

The earliest evidence of a modern Easter Bunny tradition dates back to the 1600s, when it's first mentioned in German writings. This rabbit, called "Oschter Haws," or Easter hare, was believed to lay colorful eggs for children who were well-behaved. That is bazar - a rabbit that lays eggs. Anyhow, the children made nests in which this odd creature could lay its colored eggs. Eventually, the custom spread from Europe to Eastern American shorelines and then across the U.S. But how on earth did this tradition come to be? Well, it’s the collision of two traditions.; the Easter Egg and the Easter Bunny. As we’ve seen, eggs represent new life, and the Easter Hare brings the eggs. So here you go, the Easter Hare was born out of the need for parents to illustrate God the Father giving His Son. Yep, really.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." Jn 3:16 Let's remember that the chapter opens with Jesus explaining to a Pharisee that in order to see the Kingdom of God one must be born again. And the verse just prior to the famous John 3:16 speaks to the necessity of the Son being lifted up (crucified). The world was perishing in sin and darkness (the inability to see our sin and need for salvation 2Co 4:4/1Jn 1:10). If it were not for the fact that God loved us first (1Jn 4:19) we would hopelessly perish for ALL have sinned and fallen short (Ro 3:23). But because of the love with which He loved us, He gave His only Son, as a propitiation (atonement - full payment) to be lifted up for our sins (Ro 3:25/1Jn 2:2). He did this so that whoever believes in what He has done for us - whoever believes in Him - should not perish, but instead be given life now and forever. Born again to live with and worship our resurrected Lord.

Take some time to reflect on this incredible gift of God. Let your gratitude be stirred as you dwell on what God through Christ has done for you. Pour out your gratitude in prayer and praise.