Preparing for Easter

I saw someone on Facebook had complained about this picture, citing that dogs and egg laying rabbits have no part of Easter.  I thought the comment was quite sad.

Yes, Easter is the most important day of the year for Christians.  The whole 40-day Lent period is an important time for Christians.  The resurrection of Christ from the grave leaves each of us on our knees, redeemed and forgiven.

Why is it so wrong to celebrate with new dresses and suits and Easter baskets?  To locate hidden colored eggs left behind by a fabled egg laying rabbit?  Are we all expected to get up in the dark of night to attend a beautiful sunrise service just to leave our thankful celebration at the alter?  My family has always had a beautiful gathering with food and fellowship.  We hide eggs for the kids and fill Easter baskets with goodies.  We have not forgotten the reason this day is important; we are celebrating the gift of it with those we love.  I believe this more is important than snubbing a cartoon character and his basket of colorful eggs.  We are not perfect but because of the life, death and resurrection of Christ, we are saved and we are loved.  Rabbits or no rabbits, it doesn't get any better than that.