Encouragements for Clergy, Church Elders
and Other Christian Lay Leaders
Christian leaders are often charged with educating children, and the
importance of your role cannot be over emphasized. Evaluate all
secular impacts on Easter's message. Consider avoiding all use of
the Easter bunny, a non-Christian symbol. When children ask about
it, take the opportunity to explain that it is a make-believe bunny
that actually has nothing to do with Easter. You may then present
to the children whatever further information that your denomination
feels is appropriate. The lamb is an appropriate animal symbol for
Easter. You might say that someone could follow the so called Easter
bunny, like Peter Cottontail, down their path; but that path goes nowhere,
while the "Lamb of God" (Jesus) leads us all down the path that leads to
Heaven. In addition, there are many other Christian symbols that
are associated with the Easter Season that you can use, such as the cross,
the empty tomb, symbolic colors such as black and white, and so on.
Encouragements for Retailers and Other Businesses
Businesses have a right to make money, but are careless at times and
intrude on Christianity. As long as businesses continue to add
secular things onto Christian holydays there will be problems.
Work toward modifying or replacing things that Christians feel are
inappropriate and market them during times that do not conflict with
Christian celebrations.
Encouragements for School Leaders
Many Christians believe that the use of the Christian term "Easter" in
association with a bunny, chicken, rat, skunk, or any animal symbol other
than a lamb is intruding into the Christian religion by deflecting people
from the true meaning of Easter. Avoid applying the term "Easter"
where it does not belong. Explain the origin of the tradition of
exchanging candy and other sweet treats on Easter.