Introduction
Jehovah's Witnesses are known for their unique beliefs and practices. One of their practices is their approach to Easter. While most Christians around the world celebrate Easter with traditions such as Easter eggs and bunny rabbits, Jehovah's Witnesses have a different approach to this holiday. In this article, we will explore Jehovah's Witness Easter and what it means to them.
What is Jehovah's Witness Easter?
Unlike other Christian denominations, Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate Easter as a religious holiday. They believe that the resurrection of Jesus Christ should be commemorated on the anniversary of his death, not on the day he rose from the dead. They call this day the Memorial of Christ's death, which usually falls in late March or early April.
Why Jehovah's Witnesses don't celebrate Easter?
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the celebration of Easter has pagan origins and that it has been mixed with Christian beliefs over time. They also believe that the Bible does not give any indication that Jesus' resurrection should be celebrated annually. Instead, they focus on the significance of his death and the hope of his resurrection.
What do Jehovah's Witnesses do on Easter Sunday?
On Easter Sunday, Jehovah's Witnesses attend their regular meetings at their Kingdom Halls. They do not participate in any Easter-related activities, such as egg hunts or Easter parades. Instead, they use this day to reflect on the significance of Jesus' death and its meaning for them.
What is the Memorial of Christ's Death?
The Memorial of Christ's Death is a commemoration of Jesus Christ's death. It is celebrated once a year, based on the Jewish calendar date of Nisan 14, which was the date of Jesus' death according to the Bible. This day is not considered a holiday but rather a solemn occasion for Jehovah's Witnesses to remember the sacrifice Jesus made for humanity.
How do Jehovah's Witnesses commemorate the Memorial of Christ's Death?
During the Memorial of Christ's Death, Jehovah's Witnesses gather at their Kingdom Halls to observe the occasion. The meeting includes a talk that focuses on the significance of Jesus' death and its meaning for them. They also pass around unleavened bread and red wine, which represent Jesus' body and blood. However, only Jehovah's Witnesses who are members of the "anointed class" partake in the bread and wine as they believe that only 144,000 people will go to heaven to rule with Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
Jehovah's Witnesses have a unique approach to Easter, focusing instead on the Memorial of Christ's Death. They believe that the commemoration of Jesus' death is more important than the celebration of his resurrection. While they do not participate in Easter-related activities, they use this time to reflect on the significance of Jesus' death and what it means for them.