Easter is a time to celebrate.

While many of us associate the holiday with bunnies, candy, baskets, and eggs, Christians see Easter as the most important holiday of the year. While Christmas is significant, marking the birth of Jesus, Easter represents the day when Jesus, the Son of God, was resurrected from the dead and ascended into heaven. Because of Easter, Christians believe in eternal life through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and God’s promise to save those who believe in him.

Church attendance is typically the highest on Easter Sunday over any other holiday, with Christmas and Mother’s Day coming in second and third, according to Lifeway Research, a leading evangelical research firm launched in 2006.

Often, churches plan special programs on Easter in anticipation of more visitors. Many area churches have updated websites detailing service times, activities, and events.

Results of a Religious Landscape Study released in February by Pew Research Center found that 62% of U.S. adults identify as Christians. While that is a decline of nine percentage points since 2014, and 16 points since 2007, the number has remained relatively stable since 2019.

Many Americans celebrate Easter as a time to gather with family and friends, eat a meal together, excite the kiddos with candy and surprises inside plastic eggs, and spend quality time together. But Christians also celebrate “the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord,” as referenced in Titus 1:2 of the Holy Bible.

However you observe Easter, we at The News hope you are surrounded by loved ones, and remember there’s always something to celebrate.