Living As Easter People

They say spring is the season of new beginnings — flowers bloom, birds sing, and the days finally stop feeling like they belong in a dark Victorian novel. But for us who believe in Jesus, spring also brings the most joyful celebration of all, Easter! It’s not just about the chocolate eggs and hot cross buns (though let’s be honest, they’re a lovely bonus). Easter is the celebration of Jesus’s resurrection, the moment that changed everything.

The resurrection isn’t just a historical headline from 2,000 years ago. It’s a living, breathing truth that shapes how we go about our daily lives. Think of it like upgrading from an old flip phone to the latest smartphone — suddenly, everything works better, clearer, and with a lot more joy.

The Apostle Paul puts it beautifully in Romans 6:4:

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

That’s the heart of Easter — not only that Jesus defeated death, but that we get to share in His victory. As Christians, we’re called to live as “Easter People,” reflecting the light of Christ’s triumph every single day. It’s not always easy, and we might not always feel victorious (especially before that first cup of tea in the morning), but Easter reminds us that God’s power to renew and restore is always at work.

So, what does it mean to live as Easter People? Let’s explore how this resurrection life can bring joy, hope, and a whole lot of purpose.

Point 1

You know that feeling when you finally sort out your wardrobe and get rid of those clothes you never wear? Or when you give your house a proper spring clean and everything feels al fresh and new? There’s something incredibly satisfying about a clean slate, isn’t there? Well, that is what Jesus offers us - only on a much bigger, life-changing scale!

The resurrection of Jesus isn’t just a historical event we celebrate at Easter with chocolate eggs (as much as we love them). It’s the very thing that gives us a brand new start - a complete transformation from the inside out. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 puts it “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” In other words, when we choose to follow Jesus, we’re not just given a bit of a spiritual touch up-we become entirely new people. Our past mistakes? Forgiven. Our old ways of thinking? Rewired. It’s like getting a fresh passport stamped Child Of God, with no baggage fees for the past!

So, take a moment-how has Jesus changed you? Maybe you’ve found yourself being more patient with your family (or at leat biting your tongue more often!). Maybe you’re learning to let go of worry and trust God more. Whatever it is, this new life in Christ is a daily journey, one that is filled with love, joy and the kind of peace that nothing else can provide. And the best part? God isn’t finished with you yet-He’s still working, shaping, and growing you into the person He created you to be. Now that is something worth embracing!

Point 2

Let’s be honest-life can be a bit of a roller coaster. One minute you’re coasting along nicely, and the next, you are clinging on for dear life, wondering if you’re about to come off the tracks. But here’s the good news: as Christians, we don’t have to face the ups and downs with fear, because we know how the story ends. The resurrection of Jesus is our ultimate assurance that death isn’t the end of the road-it’s just a bend in the journey.

Paul puts it brilliantly in 1 Corinthians 15:55-57:“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? ...But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”. In other words, death has lost its power. Jesus didn’t just cheat death-He completely conquered it. And if we’re in Him, that victory is ours too! It means that no matter what we face, we can live with hope, knowing that even the worst case scenario isn’t the end of the story.

Take the disciples, for example. Before the resurrection they were an absolute mess and hiding behind locked doors, scared stiff that they’d be next on the Roman hit list. But then Jesus showed up right in the middle of their fear and said “Peace be with you!” (John 20:19-20). Can you imagine their faces? One moment they thought all was lost, and the next they were looking at their risen Lord, holes in his hands and all! That encounter changed everything. These same terrified men went on to boldly preach the gospel, face persecution, and even give their lives for Jesus. Why? Because they had seen with their own eyes that death wasn’t the end-and that gave them courage like never before.

That is the kind of courage we are called to live with today. Yes, life will throw challenges our way-difficult decisions, uncertain futures, moments of doubt-but we can face them head on knowing that Jesus won the biggest battle.

Point 3

Living as Easter People we are well ware that life isn’t always sunshine and roses, but we are called to something deeper: choosing joy and gratitude, even when things don’t go our way. Why? Because Christ’s victory wasn’t just for one day; it’s for eternity! No matter what challenges we face we have a reason to rejoice. Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances”. That doesn’t mean ignoring the hardships but rather shifting our focus to the hope we have in Jesus.

There are many ways we can cultivate joy in our daily lives. Start small by putting on worship music while making your morning coffee, say a quick prayer of thanks before tackling your to do list, or brighten someone’s day with a kind word. Acts of kindness, big or small, not only bless others but also lift our own spirits. Gratitude isn’t just a feeling, it’s a practice. And when we make it a habit we’ll find joy sneaking into the most ordinary moments.

Conclusion

Being Easter People isn’t just about celebrating once a year, it’s about living everyday with the hope, joy and purpose that Christ’s resurrection brings. We’ve been given new life and that means we get to live differently while holding onto hope when things get tough, sharing the good news with those around us, and choosing joy even in the mundane. As Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:10-11, knowing Christ means experiencing the power of His resurrection in our own lives. That power transforms how we live, love, and shine His light in the world.

So, what does resurrection living look like for you? Maybe it’s offering kindness when it’s easier to be impatient, speaking words of encouragement instead of complaint, or simply starting each day with gratitude. Whatever it is, know that Jesus walks with you every step of the way.

By Catherine Hewitt