The Seven weeks of easter

When Easter Sunday is over, what do we do? We might put our Easter eggs in the fridge (which is a whole other debate - does chocolate really belong in the fridge?) and we might reflect on what a lovely Easter service it was - thank you to Fr Simon for an excellent sermon and moving service. But is that it? Well, strangely enough, no. It isn't. The period of Eastertide actually lasts seven weeks and Easter Day is only the beginning. The fifty days of Eastertide is a single festival period during which the tone of great joy in the resurrection and Christ's return is sustained for the next coming weeks. We celebrate the gloriously risen Christ!

In those places where the custom of lighting the Easter Candle is celebrated, the candle will burn brightly throughout the Eastertide period at all services. The Alleluia! will feature prominently in liturgical speech and song.  Morning prayers will feature the Easter Anthems and white and gold vestments and decorations emphasise the joy and brightness of the season.

When you think about it, whilst we celebrate the birth of baby Jesus in December at Christmas time, that's wonderful - but to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ following his crucifixion, well, isn't that simply amazing?

We go on to hold special services celebrating Christ's ascension into Heaven and the joyous Eastertide period culminates at Pentecost, where we celebrate the fifty days of Easter and we recall how God's Holy Spirit was given to the disciples after Jesus' ascension, which empowered them to begin the work of making disciples of all nations.

So, remember, Easter isn't over yet, and the joy and gladness of Christ's resurrection is celebrated for a long time after you've eaten the last Easter egg.

Source; the Church of England