Life, death and rebirth

Easter is preceded by Lent, a Christian religious observance of 40 days of fasting, prayer and reflection, which mimics the 40 days Jesus spent fasting and enduring temptation in the desert. It celebrates the resurrection of Christ three days after his crucifixion, signifying triumph of life over death, and man's hope for salvation. It symbolises new beginnings, a renewal of faith and hope amid travail and despair.

The resurrection of Christ is seen as the new covenant between God and humanity. Christ proved that he paid the price and rose victorious. The Gospel John 3:16-17 states, 'God did not send his son into the world to condemn it but to save it.' His life is a testament to the power of perseverance, love, faith in God's ultimate plan.

It helps us recommit ourselves to living out our faith in meaningful and unselfish ways. Easter lilies that bloom this time of the year signify purity and renewal, new life and rebirth, as there is no coming back to life without death first.


The first sermon of Christ after resurrection is on forgiveness. He tells his apostles, 'If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven. If you don't forgive them, they are not forgiven.' Forgiveness is the magnum opus and grand finale. Easter emphasises the importance of suffering, cyclical nature of life, death and rebirth, suggesting true renewal comes with acknowledging and accepting pain with forgiveness.