March 27 Easter – Changes Annually

Easter – Changes Annually March 27, 2016.

Easter is a 'movable feast', which means that its date is not fixed in the calendar. The date is calculated according to the lunar calendar, formalized in Ecclesiastical date tables. The date of Easter Sunday can fall between 22 March and 25 April. it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Depending on which calendar a church follows, some will celebrate Easter earlier than others.

Leading up to Easter Sunday is an entire season of Easter observances beginning with Ash Wednesday, the official beginning of Lent. Lent is a time of fasting and reflection which represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness for 40 days. Many know this as a time when Christians give something up for Lent.

Easter is related to the Jewish festival of Pesach (Passover).

According to the Gospels it was at sunrise on the first Easter Day - the 3rd day following Jesus' death - that the women who followed Jesus found the great stone blocking his tomb had been rolled away, and the tomb empty.

The Gospel of John (20.14-16) relates how Mary Magdalene meets Jesus by the tomb, but does not at first recognize him, taking him to be a gardener. Finally realizing that he has indeed risen from the dead, as he had promised he would, she runs to tell the disciples the good news. These events fulfill the prophecy that 'The Son of Man must be handed over to sinful men, be crucified, and three days later rise to life.' (Luke 24.7).

You can participate in any number of church services. Dye eggs with children and have an Easter egg hunt. Local communities hold annual Easter egg hunts as well, so check your local social media, newspapers and community listings for dates and times. #Easter, share on social media.