Christians around the world consider Easter to be a time of joy and celebration. Little girls and boys receive chocolate eggs and bunnies, while adults pick out their Sunday best - but what is the true meaning of Easter?

Easter is the celebration of Jesus Christ being raised to life after his crucifixion. Jesus' being raised from death is called the Resurrection. According to the Bible, Jesus' tomb was empty three days after his death (Luke 24:1-8). His followers saw him and spoke to him after this event (Luke 24:36-49). Easter is the celebration of Christ's resurrection, as well as the hope that Christians have of eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:20-24).

While people may focus on the new leaves on the trees, the warmer temperature, and the chirping birds, the message of Easter is that God left the comfort of heaven to enter and redeem a sinful world (John 3:16,17). On this day, we remember how much Jesus loves us, and how he gives us new life and a hope that lives on (1 Peter 1:3).