Displaying items by tag: Easter

Jesus’ final words on the cross - 'It is finished' (Tetelestai) - were not spoken with regret but with triumphant certainty. Unlike our own flawed works, the finished work of Christ on Calvary left nothing undone. His sacrifice was not a last-minute rescue plan but the fulfilment of a divine purpose set in motion from the beginning of creation. In Genesis, God called His creation 'very good’, but sin entered through Adam and Eve’s disobedience, fracturing the harmony. From the first shedding of animal blood in Eden to the Old Testament’s repeated sacrifices, a pattern emerged: atonement required blood. Yet these sacrifices could not fully cleanse sin: they pointed to a greater Lamb. Jesus, the spotless Son of God, took upon himself the world’s sin at the cross, fulfilling what the Old Covenant foreshadowed. His resurrection confirmed his victory over death. The cross wasn’t a divine error or a regretful necessity: it was the plan of God’s love to restore what was lost in Eden.

In his 2025 Easter message, King Charles reflected on the paradox of human nature - how we are capable of both great cruelty and great kindness. He urged the nation and the world to return to the enduring Christian virtues of faith, hope, and love, declaring, 'The greatest of these is love’. His message comes amid global suffering and humanitarian crises, yet also amid acts of selfless courage and compassion. Quoting John 3:16, the King reminded listeners of God’s love in sending Christ to live among us and lay down his life - a love stronger than death. He also noted that Christ’s love transcends boundaries and is echoed across other faiths and in every heart that seeks the good of others. The King expressed admiration for humanitarian workers and noted the enduring message of Maundy Thursday, when Jesus humbly washed His disciples’ feet. Continuing the royal Maundy tradition, the King and Queen distributed symbolic coins in honour of those offering exceptional Christian service, underscoring his role as both monarch and servant leader.

Easter food traditions beautifully reflect regional heritage and faith across the world. In central and eastern Europe, the celebrations might include Paska bread, a braided loaf often paired with sweet cheese, jam,  or savoury sides like ham. In France and Britain, Easter dinner often features a roast leg of lamb - maybe seasoned with Dijon mustard, rosemary, parsley, and capers. Scandinavian countries serve salmon (baked, smoked, or cured), whereas in the USA glazed ham holds pride of place. Italy’s ‘stuffed pizza’, a savoury pie filled with cheese and meats, dates from the Middle Ages; a traditional side dish might be crispy stuffed artichokes filled with breadcrumbs, garlic, cheese, and herbs. Greek tables feature baklava - filo pastry layered with nuts and honeyed cinnamon syrup - for an indulgent rich finish to the meal. Together, these dishes express celebration, gratitude for the joyful message of Easter, and deep cultural faith.

Around fifty Christians protested outside Norwood Primary School in Eastleigh, after the school cancelled its traditional Easter bonnet parade and church service. Headteacher Stephanie Mander informed parents that the decision aimed to foster an inclusive environment, opting instead for classroom lessons and craft activities about the meaning of Easter. Protesters accused the school of marginalising Christianity. Banners declared messages like 'Jesus is King' and 'Let’s cancel her’, referring to the headteacher. Protesters distributed Easter eggs and prayed collectively at the end of the demonstration. A smaller counter-protest of parents defended the school’s decision, citing concerns about promoting division and noting financial pressures on families that may have influenced the cancellation. Police were present, but no arrests were made. The event has reignited broader concerns among some Christians about feeling increasingly sidelined within educational institutions and society at large.

This year’s Easter celebrations in the Middle East were subdued. In Gaza City, Christians who have found refuge in the Holy Family Church brought palm branches to the Palm Sunday service. One of their priests said the congregation has been ‘enduring relentless Calvary for months’. SAT-7 broadcast Easter services live from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bethlehem. The church’s pastor said, ‘In Palestine our Good Friday has lasted way too long, but Easter reminds us that the final word belongs to God… Our belief in the God of the Resurrection means that ultimately goodness, righteousness, and justice will prevail’. There were few foreign pilgrims in Jerusalem and most West Bank Christians were denied access under tightened security rules. SAT-7’s Turkish channel broadcast a service from a church in Istanbul which had been attacked by two gunmen during a Sunday service on 28 January; one man was killed in the incident. SAT-7 wanted to show solidarity with the congregation after such a traumatic event. SAT-7’s Easter programming is especially important for those in countries where people cannot celebrate openly because of persecution and restrictions on religious freedom.

Many churches and cathedrals which have remained closed throughout the recent lockdown are reopening in time for in-person worship during Holy Week and Easter - but online services and events remain at the heart of festivities. The stay-at-home rule has been replaced. Now up to two households of unlimited numbers, or up to six households of six people, can meet outdoors. The rector of Bath Abbey said, ‘We look forward eagerly to celebrating the life-renewing hope of Easter. It will be a great joy to celebrate Christ’s victory over death, as a church family back in the abbey once again - especially as we were unable to meet at Easter last year.’

David Marshall, of the Meaningful Chocolate Company, launched the Real Easter Egg ten years ago after discovering that not a single Easter egg mentioned the Christian faith. This startling revelation was the springboard for this egg, which, a decade on, still cuts a lonely figure in the sea of chocolate eggs on supermarket shelves that make no reference whatsoever to the Christian origins of the festival. But the fact that it is still on the shelves isn't something David takes for granted: after all, when the egg was first launched, supermarkets were reluctant to stock it. There is little reference to Jesus or the religious aspect of Easter elsewhere, but David’s company continues to provide faith-based Easter eggs that come with a children's book telling the story of Easter.

UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said he is 'appalled' at the ongoing persecution of Christians.

One of the countries clamping down is China. Churches continue to be closed, and Christians have been arrested because of their faith.

That is because the country is officially an atheist state, with freedom of religion guaranteed in the constitution. Sky's Tom Cheshire explains.

Watch the SKYNEWS video on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZE4y4PSjCw

Pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters in China.

The reporter from the LA Times was not sure what to make of Kanye West’s Easter morning church service at the Coachella Valley music festival. describing it as ‘a new-age Baptist church revival’. The service began shortly after 9.30 am. West arrived dressed in violet-magenta hues - with his hair dyed to match. What unfolded was a nearly two-hour celebration of gospel music, which has played a major influence on his creative achievements. He was supported by hundreds of singers, dancers, and a full orchestra. His part in the service was minimised, with no sermonising or rapping. He allowed the choir and band to be the main focus as he was caught up in the worshipful atmosphere of the moment. West transformed a secular festival at Coachella into a black church experience.

Easter bombings in three churches and seven hotels have killed 253, with the death toll expected to rise further because 500 are seriously injured. Over sixty suspects have been arrested so far. Domestic and international authorities are probing deeper into the bombings, with a nationwide alert for nine vehicles involved, possibly holding explosives. The situation remains tense. Security has been increased, with naval and air force officers patrolling the streets. Roadblocks have been set up throughout Colombo, and suspicious vehicles and individuals are being searched. All Catholic churches in Sri Lanka must stay closed until security improves. A picture is emerging of nine well-educated, home-grown suicide bombers, including a woman, who carried out the attacks. IS claimed responsibility, but authorities blamed local extremists NTJ, whose leader is known for incendiary speeches online. Sri Lanka's security ‘weaknesses’ led to the failure to prevent the bombings. Ask God to protect potential targets - tourist spots, markets, hotels, government offices, churches, and shopping malls.