03/11/2014 

Written by Amber Tafao

Everyone loves a good etymology lesson, right? The word Easter can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon word Eostre meaning “shine” or “dawn.” It is reminiscent of the lengthening of the days as the darkness of winter grows into the light of spring. As Easter approaches and you see the word plastered on signs, windows, advertisements, bulletins, etc., let it be a signal word to you to shine. 

Two of the most challenging verses in the Bible are Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” and 1 Peter 2:12, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 

You are called to be the eostre to the world. The world determines what it means to be a follower of Christ by the way Christians live out their daily lives. Does the testimony of your words and actions point to the Light? Can others look to you as an example by which to follow? Live such good lives. Be the measure by which the world can rightly define what it means to live a Christ-like life.