NO ONE ASKED MY OPINION, BUT…
What is great about the Easter Season
By George W. Harris

I grew up Greek Orthodox, and now go to a basic Christian church. While I never flirted with Catholicism (tho’ I flirted with many a Catholic in my single days), I lived in Italy for a year and appreciate much about their approach to the Easter season. With all of those things (and others) in mind, I’ve made a list of what makes this a special time of year…

1) Hard not to make a big deal about Jesus dieing on the cross for our sins, taking the punishment and then conquering death to prove that he was God in the flesh. The power over sin and death, along with a promise of heaven makes life meaningful. To this day, our calendar can’t get over it as well as the rest of us.
2) Passover-God let His people go. From Elijah’s visit to the broken bread symbolizing the coming Messiah, hard to argue with a 5500+ year tradition.
3) LENT-Giving up something in preparation for Easter. A nice way to remember what God’s done for us. My wife gave up nagging me for lent. Did I get lucky or WHAT?!?
4) Ash Wednesday-the beginning of lent with the ash on the forehead of Catholics remind us that we all someday return to dust until our resurrection. Kind of keeps your life in perspective, buddy.
5) Christos Anesti-During Lent, Greeks great each other (“even someone you can’t stand,” my dad used to emphasize) with the reminder that “Christ has risen,” with the person replying “Alethos Anesti” (He’s risen, indeed). There’s something bonding between humanity with going through some business negotiation, or even just ordering a soft drink, and closing it with this phrase.
6) EASTER EGG HUNTS-my daughters LOVED this as they grew up. Red ones that were painted (the Ukrainian ones are unbelievable) or chocolate ones with marshmallow. It doesn’t matter.
7) Retablos-be they of the Crucifixion or of the Last Supper, the Peruvian displays of Christ’s Passion are works of art, and a great reminder.
8) Last Supper Paintings-made of wood, tacky paintings, ceramic. Who cares? They’re all great.
9) PASTELS-Women in beautiful dresses, or guys in cotton/linen suits. They just look super cool in a light blue, green, pink, or whatever. And don’t forget the HATS!
10) Baseball season begins! A real sign that there is life after death. Batter up!

11) Bach's Passions-be it St. Matthew's or St. John's, there are few pieces of music that combine the beauty, sorrow or pathos of Christ's passion than these eternally important pieces of music. Still amazing after 250+ years

12) "The Easter Parade" which is the ultimate version? By Bing? Jolson? Astaire? Hard call, but if you aren't singing this one out loud, as well as seeing the classic movie, I truly pity you!