Easter and Family Traditions
Only one thing remains the same.
The name of this post is rather misleading because I’m not sure that we have Easter traditions in our family—beyond celebrating Jesus, that is.
This week, I came across a list of writing prompts for Easter. As I was already thinking about getting to work on this Easter newsletter, I briefly scanned the list of prompts.
One item caught my attention, and it went like this: “How do you celebrate Easter with your family? Describe what you eat, what you wear, and where you go. Who celebrates Easter with you?” ¹ Those questions had my mind scrolling backwards, reflecting on the impact of many family Easters.
Maybe you, like me, can remember Easter weekend being a high-holiday time on the calendar. Whether churchgoers or not, Easter is reminiscent of springtime, growth, and new life. There’s an excitement that comes with this season.
Today, we often gather at the ranch for an Easter celebration. Our son-in-law is a rancher, and they have lots of room for family to descend upon the ranch house. Deviled eggs are typically on the menu, and we rarely have a holiday meal of any kind without Grandma White’s broccoli casserole. If we have any traditions, it seems they always involve food.
In our family, some serve on the platform on Easter Sunday, while others of us slip in without fanfare to enjoy the worship service. Some will have on a brand-new Easter outfit. Others will be wearing what we wore two Sundays back.
Many things are different than they were when I was growing up, or even thirty years ago when my children were small. We still celebrate Easter, today, but it looks different. Only one thing remains the same.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13.8 (ESV)
In the original Greek language of Hebrews 13.8, the word same means: immutable. Stay with me, okay? In English, this word immutable means: unchanging over time, or unable to be changed.
Jesus Christ, the One we celebrate at Easter—the One who came, who died, who rose that we might live—is immutable, unchangeable, and nothing can ever change that!
He has remained through the ages and will always remain.
Perhaps your family is great at carrying down meaningful traditions over the decades. It may be the foods you eat on certain holidays or the tie your father wears to church every Easter—since like forever.
In our family, we seem to lean toward changing things up. We like various kinds of food. We also prefer low-key dining. Disposable plates, fried chicken from the drive-through, and store-bought cookies suits us just fine, though we do love some slow-smoked brisket served alongside all the homemade sides and desserts.
One thing remains the same, however, and for this I am forever grateful. Jesus is the One, and it’s a family thing with us. He holds us all together. He keeps holding us and carrying us and loving us.
It’s an Easter tradition that we keep praising Him, every day, because He came, He died, He rose, He lives, and He saves!
Jesus is the One thing that remains the same when all else in our world is falling to pieces. Nothing can ever change that.
Happy Easter! Happy Spring! Happy Resurrection Day! Jesus lives, and it’s our tradition and joy to give Him our praise for all He has done.
Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come… Revelation 1.4 (NASB)
¹Journal Writing Prompts for Easter by Janelle Cox. https://www.thoughtco.com/easter-journal-writing-prompts-2081471. Available as of 3/8/2023.