Like Santa barging in on a holy celebration of Christ’s birth, some Christians steer clear of including the Easter Bunny into an otherwise holy celebration of Christ’s resurrection, for fear of being associated with pagan roots. Others see it as just another way to evangelize and connect in bringing the message of hope to a dying world. While symbols like eggs and lilies are easily associated with the account of Christ’s life-giving resurrection, what about the Easter Bunny versus Jesus!? How can Christians incorporate both?

The truth is that most of the symbols associated with the history of Easter traditions have melded together to be part of what we now celebrate on Easter Sunday. Many of these pre-Christian traditions link back to pagan roots that the Catholic Church have attempted to eradicate. Similar to how St. Patrick used an ordinary clover to explain the trinity; or how music that was once played in bars became much of what Christians today sing as hymns; the Catholic Church attempted to redeem worldly traditions by incorporating them into church holy days. 

The purpose of celebrating Easter is to acknowledge the entire summation of the Christian faith – Jesus died, was buried, and on the third day rose from the grave to later transcend into heaven where He sits at the right-hand of the Father, interceding on our behalf. Anything, therefore, that points believers and non-believers toward this revelation should be accepted within the Church. Though, if your Easter Bunny becomes the focal point of the entire day, it may be time to rethink the bunny being part of your Easter Sunday.

Otherwise, allowing the bunny to be part of Easter is the best way to find redeeming qualities about the holiday that will point to Christ’s resurrection. Similar to the symbol of the eggs, the bunny delivers baskets and is associated with “life,” known as a life-giving creature.

Here are a few other traits of the bunny that point to Christ:

Easter Bunny’s White Fur

The Easter Bunny’s fur is white. Hmmm…That’s an interesting color. It reminds us of how our sins were once scarlet, but because of Christ’s death and resurrection, they are now as white as snow.

Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. —Isaiah 1:18 

The Gentleness of Bunnies and Christ’s Forgiveness

Bunnies are known to be timid, gentle animals. This kind, forgiving, gentleness is shown throughout Christ’s teachings, and is the summation of why He was born, lived, died, rose from the grave, and now sits at the right-hand of the Father.

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 

Big Floppy Ears To Hear The Gospel

The Easter Bunny has big, long floppy ears which remind us to be still and listen to the voice of the Spirit.

Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. James 1:19 

Big Bunny Feet Made for Hopping

The Easter Bunny’s feet are oversized and ready to hop which is a reminder to spread the Gospel to others.

Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19

And

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reins!” Isaiah 52:7 

So, What Are You Waiting For? Let’s Hop To It And Spread The Love Of Christ.

One of the most effective ways to share God’s love is by reaching out to meet others and by keeping your neighborhood on tract.

Should the Easter Bunny be boycotted, or are there ways to honor the holiness of Christ’s resurrection without forfeiting childhood fun? What are your thoughts about incorporating the Easter Bunny into your celebrations?

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