By Burnett Munthali

Easter is one of the most significant and celebrated events in the Christian calendar, revered by believers across the globe for its deep spiritual meaning and powerful message of hope, renewal, and salvation.

Unlike other holidays that may be linked to cultural traditions or national history, Easter transcends geographical and ethnic boundaries because it is rooted in a universal story that speaks to the human soul—the story of life overcoming death.

At its core, Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, an event that is recorded in the New Testament of the Bible and forms the cornerstone of the Christian faith.

Christians believe that Jesus, the Son of God, was crucified on a Friday—now known as Good Friday—and rose from the dead on the third day, which is celebrated as Easter Sunday.

This resurrection is not just a miraculous event, but a divine act that signifies God’s ultimate power over sin and death, and His boundless love for humanity.

For Christians, Jesus’ resurrection is a fulfillment of ancient prophecies and the promise of eternal life to all who believe in Him.

It validates the teachings of Jesus and assures believers that death is not the end, but a passage to everlasting life with God.

The celebration of Easter is preceded by a period of reflection and repentance known as Lent, a forty-day season during which many Christians engage in fasting, prayer, and acts of charity.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and leads up to Holy Week, the final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry, which includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.

Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, when crowds welcomed Him with palm branches, acknowledging Him as the Messiah.

Maundy Thursday recalls the Last Supper, where Jesus shared a final meal with His disciples and instituted the ritual of Holy Communion, urging them to remember His sacrifice.

Good Friday marks the somber day of Jesus’ crucifixion, where He endured immense suffering and death on the cross at Calvary, a sacrifice Christians believe was made to redeem humanity from sin.

Holy Saturday represents the quiet and uncertain period when Jesus lay in the tomb, a time of mourning and anticipation.

Then comes Easter Sunday, the glorious morning that changed everything, as the stone was found rolled away and the tomb empty—Jesus had risen, just as He said He would.

This moment of resurrection brought joy to His followers and ignited a new movement that would spread throughout the world, giving rise to the Christian Church.

For centuries, Christians have gathered on Easter Sunday to celebrate this victory over the grave, often beginning the day with sunrise services that symbolize the dawning of new hope.

Churches are filled with worshippers dressed in bright colors, singing hymns of resurrection and joy, and listening to sermons that proclaim the message of life and renewal.

Many Christians also partake in the Holy Eucharist or Communion, a sacred ritual that connects them with the body and blood of Christ and reinforces their faith in His promise.

Easter is not only a celebration of a historical event, but also a personal and spiritual renewal for every believer who sees in the risen Christ the possibility of a transformed life.

It invites Christians to reflect on their own journeys, to cast off their spiritual burdens, and to embrace the hope that comes with knowing that God has conquered death.

Across the globe, Easter is marked by various customs and traditions that enrich the celebration, from Easter egg hunts and feasting to processions and reenactments of the Passion of Christ.

While some of these practices have cultural origins, they all serve to highlight the joy and vitality of the resurrection story.

In Malawi and many African countries, Easter is celebrated with church services, singing, dancing, and community gatherings that express the communal nature of Christian faith.

The Easter message resonates strongly in communities facing hardship, reminding them that just as Jesus overcame death, they too can overcome their struggles with faith and perseverance.

Easter also serves as a time of reconciliation, where families come together, forgive one another, and renew their bonds in the spirit of Christ’s love.

For the Christian, Easter is not just one Sunday of celebration, but the beginning of a new life marked by resurrection power, hope in trials, and a commitment to walk in the light of Christ.

In a world often overshadowed by despair and conflict, Easter stands as a beacon of hope, declaring that light can shine out of darkness and that life can emerge from the tomb.

It is a reminder that God’s love is stronger than hatred, His mercy deeper than our failures, and His promise of salvation is available to all who believe.

That is why Christians celebrate Easter—not merely as a tradition, but as a living testimony of their faith in a risen Savior who lives and reigns forever.

Through Easter, believers are reminded that no situation is beyond redemption, no soul beyond salvation, and no darkness too deep for God’s light to shine through.

In the resurrection of Jesus, Christians find their identity, their purpose, and their eternal hope.