It’s the most significant event within the Christian faith, however Easter is often seen by many Aussie Christians as an opportunity for a break at the beach and enjoy an Easter egg hunt or two (or seven).
In Cambodia, it generally occurs just after Khmer New Year. The new year celebrations are the largest on the Khmer calendar and so when Easter rolls around most people are just a little partied out (and chocolate melts terribly fast in the current 40 degree heat).
What makes celebrating Easter so difficult?
Fundamentally, the message really is a tough one for marketers. Talking about Jesus’ death and resurrection is a problematic because you need to mention the “s” word (sin) in a world where most people would rather think of themselves as basically good.
The Christmas message of God humbling Himself to become a baby gives us warm fuzzies. The Easter message of this God being murdered for our sin is horrifying and that He rose again sounds like the stuff of Hollywood movies.
Indeed, a nativity scene can be cute but a Jack in the box Jesus as he rises from the tomb goes beyond tacky.
So, if you’re like me, you’re stuck with melted chocolate (fair trade even if you are finally convinced that it’s worth paying the extra $2 for slave-free fair priced products – see World Vision’s Chocolate Buyers Guide) feeling somewhat at a loss as how to celebrate this deeply significant event with my neighbours and friends.
Buying an Easter chicken might help ease the conscience throughout the self-indulgence and is a whole lot better for the waistline (see TEAR), but there’s got to be a better way to share the best news ever.
No condemnation. Peace with God. Eternity with Him.
Preferably with something ice-cold.
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