From The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell.
No sooner has Christmas finished than Easter eggs appear on the shelves (and don’t get me started on hot cross buns available all year round and the hideous variety of flavours now absurdly on offer). The Easter bunny, Easter parades, and Easter egg hunts are just some of the ways that we also mark this holiday. Much of this has to do with spring and new life and has its origins outside of the church. However, Easter is central. At Easter, Christians celebrate and remember the death and resurrection of Jesus, which means that it is about new life, too, so eggs, bunnies, and daffodils aren’t entirely irrelevant.
This year, I am sure we can all use the reminder of new life and the hope that it brings. With the reawakening of the earth after its winter rest, new life suddenly abounds. In the midst of all the stress and busyness of life, despite the challenges that are facing us daily in our lives and around the world, this is a reminder that all things are made new.
Being made new is central to the celebration of Easter. Being made a new creation, as Christians believe we are in Christ, is an opportunity for each one of us to consider how we live our lives, how we try to encourage a better way of living in this world that allows all people, indeed, the whole of creation to flourish. The cycles and rhythms of life in nature offer an invitation to us to participate in the rhythms of human life. We aren’t stuck in a way of life that is unchanging or unchangeable. Rather, we are all called to be part of a community, part of being with each other, part of creating a future world for our children and grandchildren that will nurture them and give them opportunities to use their talents.
As we see winter turn into spring, turn into summer, and eventually into autumn, we should take joy in these things and look for opportunities in which we can participate in the lifecycle of the world. Many churches are offering the opportunity to help change the local community by providing food banks, carer and toddler groups, and warm spaces. This Easter, I offer to you the challenge that I am giving myself – to look beyond the chocolate eggs, and find a place where I can get involved and make a difference because the new life that we have in Christ is for all of us.
We are also reminded of the cycle of life as this May we celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. It will likely bring back memories of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and all that she gave in service to the nation and Commonwealth throughout her 70 years as sovereign. But we can welcome a new chapter in our nation’s story when we recognise that change can bring new hope, new energy, and new perspectives.
As we look to the future, I’d like to encourage you to consider joining in the Holy Week and Easter services at your local church, proclaiming as has been done for 2000 years: Alleluia! Christ is risen!
Happy Easter!
Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York.
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