What is Easter?

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WhatIsEaster_ChispaMagazine
Merriam-Webster defines Easter as the annual Christian festival commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

As a child, Easter was nothing more than a time for pretty pastel dresses and Easter egg hunts. And I can’t forget about the candy; loads and loads of candy hidden in those colorful little plastic eggs. I simply remember it being a very fun and festive time. But aside from pictures with a guy in a scary looking bunny costume and spending hours picking that annoying Easter grass out of my hair, I really didn’t know the meaning behind Easter or why my family celebrated it. I think I was just too young to understand. Not to mention, picturing someone rising from the dead can be a bit traumatizing to a child.

Around the age of 12, I finally learned the reason why he rose. The answer was simple; he rose that I may have everlasting life. The concept of unconditional love from somebody I couldn’t see was new to me, but the thought of Him sacrificing His life for mine was enough to make me believe. Because of His death and sacrifice, all of my mistakes and shortcomings are forgiven. For me, His rising is a representation of His reservation of my spot in heaven.

Every Easter Sunday, my mom plays “Don’t Cry” by Kirk Franklin. In the background, the choir sings:

Why do you cry? He has risen.

Why are you weeping? He’s not dead.

So as you go through life’s journey, don’t you worry,

Lift up your head. Don’t you cry. Stop your weeping.

He has risen. He’s not dead.

So now, Easter is so much more than wrestling my friends for the last Cadbury egg. Easter is a celebration of His promise of Everlasting life, his Acceptance of us as we are, His Sacrifice upon the cross, the Truth of His word, His Empathy, and finally, His Resurrection from the grave. Anyone who thought enough of me to save me a spot in heaven definitely deserves all the praise.

So—what does Easter mean to you?

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Tanasia Kenney

Tanasia Kenney

Tanasia Kenney is a senior studying Journalism and Citizen Media at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Ga. She currently serves as chief copy editor of The Sentinel, KSU's campus newspaper. Regularly contributes articles and social media content CHISPA, Kenney's forte is writing hard news stories, but she has extensive experience with writing features as well. She will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Communication and a certificate in multi-platform reporting from KSU in December 2015. Kenney hopes to continue perfecting her craft as a journalist through hands-on experience in the field. Her dream job is to be a news correspondent for E! News.

Tanasia Kenney

Tanasia Kenney is a senior studying Journalism and Citizen Media at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Ga. She currently serves as chief copy editor of The Sentinel, KSU's campus newspaper. Regularly contributes articles and social media content CHISPA, Kenney's forte is writing hard news stories, but she has extensive experience with writing features as well. She will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Communication and a certificate in multi-platform reporting from KSU in December 2015. Kenney hopes to continue perfecting her craft as a journalist through hands-on experience in the field. Her dream job is to be a news correspondent for E! News.