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The Rich Symbolism of Secular Easter Icons

As the earth awakens from its winter slumber, adorned with the vibrant hues of blossoming flowers and the sweet melodies of birdsong, so too does the follower of Christ awaken to the dawn of Easter-a season rich with its message of hope, redemption, and resurrection. Yet among the Easter egg hunts and family gatherings, it is easy to overlook the deeper meanings hidden within the familiar symbols that embellish our celebrations.

The Universally Recognizable Symbols of the Season

Eggs: Analogous to the arrival of spring, eggs have been revered as potent symbols of rebirth and renewal. Within Christianity, eggs assumed a complementary significance. The eggshell seamlessly became a metaphor for the sealed tomb where Christ’s body was laid, while its contents represent the miraculous emergence of new life. In the same manner, as a baby chick breaks through the shell's bonds of confinement to embrace the light of day, so too did Christ rupture the confines of death, shattering the chains of sin and offering the promise of eternal life to all who believe. Once a simple token of earthly fertility, the egg is a tangible reminder of spiritual rebirth and the promise of resurrection. 

Bunnies: Symbols of springtime fertility and abundance, bunnies yield the joy and vitality inherent to life found in Christ. They are a poignant reminder of the outpouring of God’s immeasurable wealth of grace and love for us made through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Divorcing the Easter bunny from its secular interpretation, its playful and boundless energy is a testament to the inborn joy and exuberance of the assurance of eternal life.

Lilies: Enshrined within its delicate blossoms, the lily is a living declaration of the sacred purity and innocence embedded in the Easter season. Untouched by blemish or imperfection, the ethereal beauty of the lily captures the essence of Christ’s pure and sinless quintessence. As its fragrant petals unfurl with pristine splendor, it becomes a symbol of innocence restored for all who seek redemption and renewal through Him.

To End

As we participate in Easter celebrations and traditions, the humble egg, spirited bunny, and exquisite lily invite us to mindfully observe and rejoice in the victory of love over sin-life over death. Embrace the joy of Easter and let it fill you with renewed faith, hope, and love.

- Torrance Church of Christ

The Sweetness of Christ Easter Egg Hunt

This Easter egg hunt invites kids to savor the mouthwatering yumminess of Easter candy while providing an entertaining reminder about the enduring sweetness of Christ’s sacrifice for us.  

The Candy

Below is a list of Easter egg candy that we’ve matched with a related Bible verse that exemplifies the depth of Christ’s sacrifice, and a short description as to how the candy and verses are connected. 

Fudge
Verse: Romans 8:11-And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
Connection: With its rich and indulgent flavor, fudge is like the spiritual nourishment and vitality that we receive through the Holy Spirit, made possible by Jesus’ resurrection. 

Toffee
Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:58-Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Connection: Similar to how toffee requires firmness to withstand pressure, we are encouraged to stand firm in faith and serve the Lord. 

Candy Necklace
Verse: Ephesians 2:8-9-For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
Connection: Just as the colorful candy beads are connected to form a necklace, we are connected by God's grace through faith in Jesus’ resurrection and not by our own works or merit.

Butterscotch 
Verse: 1 Peter 1:3-4-Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.
Connection: The warm, rich, comforting flavor of butterscotch symbolizes the comfort and assurance of living hope and eternal inheritance.

Fruit Snacks
Verse: Galatians 5:22-23-But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Connection: Fruit snacks' assortment of flavors and colors are like the fruits of the Spirit that we receive through Jesus’ resurrection.

Chocolate Bunnies
Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:22-For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
Connection: Bunnies have a lot of babies, which symbolizes new life. In the same way, chocolate bunnies are a reminder of the eternal life offered through Jesus' death and resurrection.

Chocolate Lambs
Verse: John 1:29-The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
Connection: Chocolate lambs represent Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb of God.

Saltwater Taffy
Verse: Colossians 3:1-Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Connection: The chewy and stretchy consistency of saltwater taffy symbolizes how we can be pulled and shaped to do good when we follow Jesus’ example.

Candy Crosses
Verse: Colossians 2:15-And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
Connection: At first, the cross stood as a symbol of shame and defeat. But Jesus’ resurrection turned it into a symbol of triumph and redemption. 

Chocolate Truffles
Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:20-21-But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.
Connection: Chocolate truffles represent the richness of life that we receive through Jesus’ resurrection. Just as the first fruits represent the beginning of a harvest, His resurrection is the first of many to come, promising eternal life to all who believe.

Sweet and Sour Candy
Verse: 1 Peter 1:8-9-Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Connection: The combination of sweet and sour flavors reminds us of the value in remaining faithful. Just as the first taste of sourness gives away to sweetness, the challenges we face in life ultimately turn to everlasting joy. 

Jelly Beans 
Verse: John 3:16-For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Connection: The variety of colors and flavors in jelly beans are like God’s all-encompassing love for all people and forgiveness for all sins. 

Cotton Candy
Verse: Psalm 30:5-For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Connection: The fluffy light texture of cotton candy is like the cheerfulness and joy that happens the morning of Jesus’ resurrection. The transition from weeping to rejoicing in the verse helps us remember to find hope and joy in Jesus’ gift, after the sorrow of His crucifixion. 

Chocolate Easter Eggs
Verse: Matthew 28:6-He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
Connection: The hollowness of the egg is like the tomb that had been found empty. 

Hard Candies
Verse: Luke 24:6-7-He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ 
Connection: Hard candy, with its durability and long-lasting sweetness, conveys the enduring truth of Jesus' resurrection. 

Easter Candy Corn
Verse: 1 Peter 2:24-He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
Connection: The three layers of color are like the process of transformation and renewal through Christ's atonement, moving from darkness to light, sin to salvation.

Black Licorice
Verse: Acts 2:24-But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.
Connection: Licorice, with its dark color and strong flavor, symbolizes the darkness and agony of death that Jesus experienced. Yet, despite its strong taste, black licorice can be an enjoyable treat. Likewise, Christ’s death brings hope for the wonderful life that comes after death. 

Easter Egg Marshmallow Candy
Verse: Romans 5:8-But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 
Connection: The marshmallow middle of Easter egg marshmallow candies is like the sin of humanity and separation from God. Even though we all have sinned, God chose to show us love by sending Jesus to die for our sins. The chocolate coating is a reminder of the protective covering of Christ's sacrifice, which surrounds us. 

Candy Canes
Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:57-But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Connection: The candy canes shape resembles the letter "J" for Jesus, and the colors red and white are like his blood and purity. Together, they represent Jesus’ victory over sin and death. 

Rock Candy
Verse: Matthew 27:51-At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split.
Connection: Recalling the extraordinary events surrounding Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, Rock candy, is like the splitting of rocks at the moment of Jesus' death.

Easter M&M's
Verse: Mark 16:6-“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.” 
Connection: The bright and colorful candy-coated shells symbolize the bright and joyous feelings accompanying the celebration of Jesus' resurrection.

Setting Up the Hunt

For this Easter egg hunt, you’ll fill plastic eggs with the aforementioned candies and the matching Bible verses. Hide the eggs, and have the kids search for them. After all of the eggs have been found, gather the kids into a group and introduce the connectedness between the sweetness of Easter candy and the sweetness that comes from Christ’s sacrifice. Feel free to use this as the introduction or come up with one of your own:
Jesus' sacrifice is like the sweetest candy imaginable, because it shows just how much He cares about each and every one of us. He knew that we all make mistakes and sometimes do things that aren't right. But instead of getting mad at us, he chose to help us in the biggest way possible. He loves us so much that he wanted to make sure that we could always feel loved and forgiven. So He allowed Himself to take the punishments for all of the bad things all of us have done. Because of what he did, we can have hope and know that we're never alone, no matter what happens. So, even though Easter egg candy is tasty, Jesus’ gift is the sweetest thing ever and gives us lasting strength and keeps us going forever.
Next, have the kids take turns opening their eggs and read the correlating Bible verse. After the verse has been read, share with the kids the connection between the verse and the candy. Encourage an active discussion with the kids about the meaning of Easter by asking questions and having them share personal insights. 

Click here for a printable version of the Bible verses to place into the eggs and the introduction with the explanation for each candy.  

We hope you enjoy this fun, engaging, and Christ-centered spin throughout your Easter celebrations!
-Torrance Church of Christ

Teachings from Unsung Figures: Jethro’s Prudence

Often overshadowed by the towering presence of his son-in-law, Moses, Jethro’s sage counsel and discernment offer invaluable insights that surpass familial ties, guiding both Moses and the Israelites through moments of unpredictability and wariness. Join us as we study the remarkable wisdom of a father-in-law who provided sound guidance for one of the greatest leaders in ancient times.

The Breadth of Jethro's Wisdom

In the following examples, Jethro emerges as a paragon of wisdom, offering pivotal direction and guidance to Moses that continues to resonate across time. 

Employment of Organizational Structure and Strategic Planning

Throughout Exodus 18, we witness Moses burdened with the responsibility of adjudicating disputes among the people, a task consuming both his time and energy. Sensing the weight upon Moses, Jethro astutely observes the inefficiency of this approach and offers practical solutions to address challenges: "What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone" (Exodus 18:17-18). Further stressing the need for a clear division of labor and responsibilities, he reminds Moses of his indispensable role as spiritual leader, remarking that he “must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him” (Exodus 18:19).

Jethro advises Moses to delegate tasks, appointing others to oversee various duties. Alleviating Moses’ burden, ensuring that Moses can effectively fulfill his role as the spiritual leader, addressing the Israelites' practical needs, and promoting communal efficiency and accountability, Jethro’s advocacy for shared responsibilities radiates with his inclination for constructive acuity.

Facilitating Encouragement

Expressing confidence in Moses’ leadership and God’s guidance, Jethro assures Moses, saying, "If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied" (Exodus 18:23). These words of encouragement and affirmation reveal that Jethro administered invaluable emotional support, amplifying Moses’ sense of calling and purpose. 

Appreciation for Diversity and Collaboration

Recognizing that they do not have all the answers, both Jethro and Moses demonstrate consideration and attentiveness for one another’s distinctive perspectives. 

Paying tribute to the significance of diversity and unity in faith, Jethro praises God's deliverance for both the Israelites and himself, stating, "Now I know that the Lord is greater than all other gods” (Exodus 18:11). Jethro's acknowledgment of the supremacy of the Israelite God reflects cultural sensitivity and an appreciation for divine revelations beyond his own beliefs. 

Acknowledging Jethro's background as a Midianite priest as an opportunity to learn from a perspective that offers insights and solutions that may differ from those rooted solely in Israelite culture and tradition; Moses heeds Jethro’s guidance and incorporates it into his decision-making process. By doing so, Moses exhibits adaptability, and a willingness to grow as a leader, ultimately enriching the efficiency of his approach. 

Further establishing a culture of inclusivity, Jethro offers his counsel and guidance with a spirit of respect and collaboration. His recommendation for the distribution of responsibility and authority testifies to his awareness of the limitations of individual leadership and his acknowledgment of the value of leveraging the strengths and talents of others founded in mutual respect. The collective pursuit of shared goals and values advances unity, and the diversity of thoughts and experiences affirms every individual's inherent value and dignity, regardless of their background or identity.

Resolute Trust in God

Urging Moses to focus on his divine calling as the mediator between God and the people, Jethro displays a deep awareness of God's providential care and guidance. Recognizing that their plans must align with God’s will, Jethro declares, "If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied" (Exodus 18:19). Furthermore, he advises Moses to "teach them God's decrees and instructions and show them how to conduct their lives” (Exodus 18:20). The prioritization of spiritual instruction and communion with God conveys Jethro’s understanding about the inseparable connection between faith and mentorship. 

To Conclude

Jethro models a comprehensive blueprint for leadership that integrates delegation, collaboration, spiritual grounding, adaptability, and trust in God’s providence. Characterizing the qualities of a wise and faithful servant of God, Jethro’s wisdom and discernment illustrate that true leadership exceeds competence and charisma; it requires a deep-rooted commitment to values and principles that guide decision-making and inspire others. 

As we apply these lessons from Jethro's leadership to our own lives and contexts, may we proceed to live with wisdom, integrity, and a steadfast reliance on God's guidance.

-Torrance Church of Christ