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The Day-to-Day Blessing of Resurrection

During the Easter season, the power of resurrection takes center stage, reminding us of the miraculous phenomenon that occurred over two millennia ago. Yet, Christ’s resurrection isn’t a one-time event; it’s a continual source of spiritual vitality and renewal that extends beyond Easter Sunday. We invite you to continue reading as we comb through the beauty and weight this remarkable force has in everyday life. 

Day-to-Day Operation 

When Jesus emerged from the tomb on that glorious morning, He shattered the chains of sin and death, ushering in a new era of hope and redemption for all who believe. The power of resurrection transcends physical revival; it is a living reality that pulsates throughout the depths of our souls, infusing our lives with newfound hope, purpose, resilience, and restoration. 

Scriptural Foundation of Daily Resurrection 

The following Biblical examples offer a glimpse of the manifold ways in which resurrection operates within the ebb and flow of everyday life, catalyzing spiritual growth and renewal of faith, perseverance, and hope. 

Prevailing Over Setbacks
The stories below model resurrections’ vocation to encourage resolute solace and confidence in knowing that setbacks are not final, but opportunities that awaken and evoke strength and growth. 

Jonah: Jonah found himself swallowed by a great fish after attempting to flee from his divine calling. In the bowels of the fish's belly, Jonah underwent a revolutionary process of self-reflection and repentance. Jonah’s rebirth from disobedience to redemption exemplifies how the power of resurrection boosts an individual's ability to overcome challenges, confronting them head-on, and emerging reinvigorated. 
Joseph: Sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, Joseph endured years of hardship and betrayal. Yet, through his unwavering faith and resilience, Joseph rose from the depths of servitude to become a trusted advisor to Pharaoh, ultimately saving his family from famine and solidifying his place in history. Joseph’s rise from despair to authority is a reminder that with the support of resurrection, setbacks need not define us but can instead serve as opportunities for growth and eventual triumph.

Potent Oomph and Fortitude 
Hereinbelow are Biblical portrayals that express resurrections function to illuminate the path through life’s encroaching darkness with rays of hope, promise, and healing. 

Job: Job's life traversed the spectrum of human experience, from the pinnacle of prosperity to the raw agony of human despair. Despite being stripped of his wealth, afflicted with debilitating illness, and mourning the loss of his loved ones, throughout his anguish, Job clung to his faith, fervently seeking vindication and answers from God. In the culmination of his trial, Job experienced resurrection and restoration, where his losses were replaced with abundance, and his suffering was remedied with an intimate understanding of divine providence. 
Christ’s Ministry: The Gospels vividly depict the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, whose compassionate touch brings solace and restoration to the afflicted. Countless accounts bear witness to the miraculous transformations wrought by Christ's healing grace, as the blind receive sight, the lame walk, and the demon-possessed find liberation. These recollections depict the all-encompassing assurance and hope resurrection offers to all ensnared by the shackles of reproach and condemnation. 
Lazarus: Entombed in the grip of death, Christ called forth Lazarus from the darkness of death into the radiant light of resurrection, foreshadowing His unsurpassed gift that defies the finality of the grave;  heralding a foretaste of the glory to come.

Ongoing Rejuvenation and Improvement
As outlined below, as old ways are cast aside, and new life springs forth, resurrection holds the potential for us to transcend everyday mistakes and failings, keeping onward toward the path of purpose and service. 

Saul/Paul: From persecutor to proclaimer, during his encounter with the risen Christ, Saul experienced spiritual resurrection. Compelled to confront the error of his ways, his heart is regenerated, his eyes are opened to the truth, and his life is redirected toward a new purpose as he embraces a new identity as a disciple of Jesus Christ. 
Peter: Despite his bold professions of loyalty, Peter succumbs to fear and denies Jesus three times in the hours leading up to the crucifixion. However, in the wake of Christ's resurrection, Peter encounters the risen Lord on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, where he is not only forgiven but also commissioned to shepherd Christ's flock. Through this encounter, Peter experiences a profound spiritual resurrection, as his faith is renewed, his commitment is deepened, and his identity is transformed from a faltering disciple to a bold apostle. Peter’s story reveals that even in our moments of weakness, forgiveness, and restoration are secure through resurrection. 

The Prodigal Son: In this timeless parable, living recklessly, a wayward son squandered his inheritance. Estranged from his family and faith, he descends into destitution. But, in a moment of realization and humility, he returns to his father's house, seeking forgiveness and reconciliation. Upon his return, he is met with the warm embrace of his father's love and forgiveness. The wayward son's migration from rebellion to repentance, exile to restoration, is a testimony of resurrections' power to breathe new life into fractured relationships in this life while also affirming that no matter how far we may stray, our sins are forgivable, and God is always ready to welcome us home.

Each narrative solicits you to abandon the confines of mortal frailty every day, offering a glimpse into the supreme proficiency of resurrection, where old lives are crucified with Christ, and new lives are raised to walk in the fullness of grace and truth. 

He is Risen

God's love is always at work, ready to resurrect our hearts and souls from the depths of despair to the heights of divine communion.

This Easter, as we welcome Christ to reignite our faith, let us be empowered to live every day as His witnesses, walking boldly in the assurance of His wonderful gift to us, arising above our circumstances and living victoriously in Him.

- Torrance Church of Christ

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