Every time a Christian holiday approaches, debates resurface about whether believers should participate—especially when these holidays have roots in pagan traditions. With Easter just around the corner, that discussion is heating up again. I won’t claim to be the judge of what’s right or wrong, but here’s my perspective.
Almost all of the world’s traditions today are linked in some way to paganism. If I’ve read correctly, even the days of the week and months of the year are all named after pagan gods or traditions. The idea that Christians should not celebrate certain days because of these associations, might be a stretch. I say this because those pagan concepts are no longer the focus—or even mentioned—during these observances. Whatever attention was once given to those things has now been redirected toward a greater cause. Instead of glorifying some sun god or whatnot, Jesus is the one being glorified. Personally, I don’t see the issue.
Nevertheless, for people who couldn’t care less about my personal ideologies but prefer something with a scriptural backing, here goes. In Colossians 2:16–17, we are told not to let anyone judge us regarding religious festivals and the likes. These are a shadow of things to come, but the reality is found in Christ. In other words, whether or not we celebrate Easter is not the real issue. What matters most is that we hold on to the fact that the substance—the real deal—is Jesus Christ.
Moreover, 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us to do all things to the glory of God. Even if a holiday had no historical connection to paganism, it would still be meaningless—or even dishonoring to God—if it were celebrated for reasons other than glorifying Him. If these observances don’t stir our hearts toward greater faith, we’re simply wasting time.
Why Easter is Worth Celebrating
Christmas is a happy and bubbly celebration for believers. It takes very conscious effort not to get carried away with the festivity and buzz. Easter, on the other hand, is solemn—reminding us of our human nature, the depth of our sinfulness, and the greatness of God’s love that pursues us to the end.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8 NIV
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15: 13 NIV
Easter is a call to reflection. When I first began reading the stories in the Bible about Jesus—especially those leading up to His crucifixion—I often wondered why the Jews of His day found it so hard to believe. I questioned why they treated Him so terribly, why they would spit on Him, beat Him mercilessly, and ultimately condemn Him to a torturous death. (Mat. 26:67–68, 27:26–31; Isa. 53:3)
But recently, I’ve started reading those stories differently. I began to see myself reflected in their actions. I saw how, even today, in small and subtle ways, I’ve done similar things to Him. I started to grasp just how much the human heart resists God, and how often we prefer to be comforted rather than corrected. I began to understand the depths of human wickedness—how much darkness lies dormant in us, just waiting for the chance to be revealed. This Easter season, through my Bible study plan, I’ve realized truths I hadn’t noticed before.
In the period marked as Easter in the Christian calendar, three monumental events unfold: the crucifixion, death and burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Within this 3-day period, sin was conquered, death was dealt with, the grave received its judgement, salvation was made available to all, believers were given authority through Christ. (1 Cor. 15:3-4; Col. 2:13-15; Heb. 2:14; 2 Tim. 1:10; Lk. 10:19)
I dare say, Easter is the most significant of Christian observances. Even though the word is not mentioned in scripture, the events it represents—and our faith in those events—hold the greatest power for a believer.
These events mark the moment we were reconciled to God and made to sit in heavenly places with Christ. They represent the birth of true hope for every believer—the hope of redemption and eternal life. Without these events, nothing else would matter. Without them, we’d still be enemies of God, destined to perish. But because we believed in Jesus and His sacrifice, we were saved.
Although these reflections and sobriety should be a daily thing, it is possible to get carried away with other activities, even if they may be spiritual activities. The body of believers needs structured moments like this to recalibrate and be reminded of often forgotten truths. We need seasons like Easter to awaken us to the beauty of Jesus Christ.
So if you choose to celebrate Easter, then please do it the right way by taking time to honor Jesus’ sacrifice and reflect on how you can let it transform you. Easter is not just a date on the calendar—it’s an opportunity to pause, reflect, and realign our hearts with the gospel. Celebrate it meaningfully.
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