This week I'll be handing out chocolate eggs on a university campus where I am known and part of the scenery now. That's not uncommon. I'm known as the chocolate chaplain and I try to bring humour and chocolate to de-stress hard working people and build bridges that will be mutually beneficial to all.
I've made some really good friends in the process and have ad fun times with some of them away from the university and our roles there. (Notice some geocaching, book club and kayaking posts on Conversations@Intersections.)
But, as Easter approaches, the shape of the chocolate I'll distribute will be in eggs and I'll have opportunities to discuss Easter with people on campus; both New Zealanders and international students or staff.
Many many people around the world do not really care about Easter. They may get a public holiday, have en excuse to eat chocolate and hot crossed buns, but that's about it. The focal point of the holiday being Jesus' resurrection is irrelevant to the enjoyment of a long weekend. Most people will be hoping for good weather for either play or a project outside.
•So, if you were handing someone an egg and a conversation ensued as to why the public holiday and hoopla about Easter, what would you say?
•How you would you explain Easter to someone who doesn't really care about a historical incident 2000 years ago that continues to show up on calendars today?
I've made some really good friends in the process and have ad fun times with some of them away from the university and our roles there. (Notice some geocaching, book club and kayaking posts on Conversations@Intersections.)
But, as Easter approaches, the shape of the chocolate I'll distribute will be in eggs and I'll have opportunities to discuss Easter with people on campus; both New Zealanders and international students or staff.
Many many people around the world do not really care about Easter. They may get a public holiday, have en excuse to eat chocolate and hot crossed buns, but that's about it. The focal point of the holiday being Jesus' resurrection is irrelevant to the enjoyment of a long weekend. Most people will be hoping for good weather for either play or a project outside.
•So, if you were handing someone an egg and a conversation ensued as to why the public holiday and hoopla about Easter, what would you say?
•How you would you explain Easter to someone who doesn't really care about a historical incident 2000 years ago that continues to show up on calendars today?
Comments much appreciated as we consider worldviews and conversations we might have at intersections.
Comments
"Christ's birth and reserection can be likend to the birth of a new season for our world. The reserection, Easter, ushers in a new season for the year. A time to start fresh, asking forgivness for past sins and recommiting one's life to Christ.
In America, I've noticed we now have "Spring Break" instead of "Easter Vacation". History reports; the more Christianity is repressesd the stronger it becomes.