Christians Celebrate Good Friday and Easter 2020 amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
The global pandemic COVID-19 also known as the coronavirus has forced the government to make life and death decisions for her citizenry. Most of these governments have resulted in the only proven effective way of curbing the pandemic and that is SOCIAL DISTANCING. While social distancing is the rule of the day, many cities have enforced lockdown and bans of social gatherings of which the church was inclusive.
Due to this ban, most churches have resulted in the aid of virtual means to still hold their services, help build the faith of the Christians and give hope. The question that has been on the minds of most Christians is how they are going to celebrate the good Friday and Easter celebrations during this time of a global pandemic.
The archbishop of Canterbury sends a message to the church on Good Friday. He says ‘Good Friday is the darkest and most difficult day in the Christian story, but it’s also the day that tells us something so important: no matter what we are going through, God is always with us’. What good news, it seems the church is set to celebrate Good Friday and Easter 2020 amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic.
What is Good Friday?
Although the name is ‘Good Friday’, it is rather a sober day. It is a Christian holiday that marks the crucifixion of Jesus and his death on the cross of Calvary. It is usually observed during Holy week as part of the Paschal Triduum on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday.
Why Do We Call it Good Friday?
No one can really tell why it is termed good Friday, probably because even though it is a sober day marking the death of the savior yet it holds a great significance in the Christendom. Just as Christians have faith in every situation, even though Jesus died yet he rose again.
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What do Christians do on Good Friday?
Generally, all Christians have a somber reflection on the price their savior paid for them and honor him however they wish to. Some may hold and attend services where there is congregational worship and honor of Jesus. Some may refrain from eating or some other pleasure just to show their sorrow and pain.
What Should You Not do on Good Friday?
Basically, this should be dependent on the Christian’s way of observing good Friday. However, for Catholics, the law of abstinence says that Catholics from ages 14 and above should refrain from eating meat on Fridays during the lent and this includes Good Friday.
Can You say Happy Good Friday?
Just like every other festivity or holiday, there is always a greeting associated with them to express the merriment. But unlike those other celebrations, Good Friday is a day of somber reflection so it would be awkward to say happy good Friday even though its name is Good Friday.
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Easter Celebrations: What is Easter Sunday?
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Easter is a festival or holiday that marks the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. It is usually two days after Good Friday. Easter is also known as Pascha or Resurrection day. The new testament of the Bible describes Easter as having occurred on the third day after the burial of Jesus following his crucifixion at Calvary.
Why Do We Celebrate Easter?
If there is a day to celebrate his death of which he resurrects after, surely, then his resurrection should be celebrated. Christians celebrate Easter to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
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How About Some Easter Traditions?
Here are some Easter traditions that you wouldn’t want to miss;
- Working out the date of Easter- this year’s Easter celebration is on 12th April
- Observing the Lent- usually by Catholics
- Shrove Tuesday/ Pancake Day
- Ash Wednesday
- Holy week
- Palm Sunday- the day representing when Jesus rode into Jerusalem
- Maundy Thursday
- Good Friday- this year’s Good Friday celebration is on 10th April
- Easter Eve/Holy Saturday
- Easter Sunday- two days after his death
- Easter Monday
- Passion Plays
- Easter Bunnies, rabbits and lambs
- Easter flowers
- Easter eggs and chicks
- Easter foods
How Can You Celebrate The Easter Celebrations During The COVID-19 Pandemic?
Here are some ideas on how you can maximize your Easter celebrations during the global Pandemic;
- If you are with your family during the lockdown it’s best you celebrate Easter with them
- It’s the best time to grow in your relationship with Jesus
- You can read your bible and pray
- Attend a service online and worship if you need to join a congregational worship
- Listen to some godly music
- See a Christian movie
- Listen to a Christian message online
- Build your hope and faith by reflecting on the death and resurrection of Jesus
- You can spend some alone time with Jesus
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The Church: The Building or The People?
Many Christians have been affected both spiritually and emotionally due to the ban of congregational worship. Reason being that most of them do not know how to go about personal worship. Many pastors and priests have set out to encourage members and Christians at large with the message that the church isn’t the building but the people. With every celebration of Good Friday and Easter amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic, shows that there is hope and faith that the pandemic will end soon.
Happy Easter Celebration!
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