Of all the holidays that set Christianity apart from the other religions of the world, Easter has more significance than just a Sunday that follows the first full moon after the vernal equinox.
According to Wikipedia, Easter has not occurred on any date earlier than March 22 since 1818 (I'm sure Jerry Kirksey remembers it well!) and it will not do so again until 2285. The next time Easter falls on March 23, like this year, will be 2160.
I seriously doubt that any of us who are here today will be around then.
While that trivia is interesting and fun, it pales in comparison to what Easter really means:
Our Savior was crucified for sins He did not commit. In other words, He died for you and me.
He was buried in a borrowed tomb.
He arose from that tomb, never to die again. He would later ascend to His rightful place with His Father and will someday intercede on our behalf.
Because of this, you and I have reservations in heaven if we acknowledge and accept Him as our Savior.
Many of you will be observing this special time with sunrise services. Depending on your geographic location, this can be either a pleasant experience or bone-chilling time if you don't bring the proper warm attire. For example, I never had a white Easter before I moved to Boone, North Carolina. (For someone who was born in Florida and raised in Georgia, that will get your attention quickly.)
But think back to "that" third day..Sunrise took on an entirely new meaning. Many promises were fulfilled when the first rays of light covered that sacred area.
And the best part?
He's still fulfilling promises today.
