It is the holiest day on the Christian calendar: Easter, the day Jesus Christ arose from the grave, having been crucified on the cross for man's sins.

While Christmas may command more secular attention, it is Easter that assumes the most spiritual significance in the life of faithful Christians: through His death, burial and resurrection, the Christian can find hope for forgiveness of sins and a new life with a new purpose.

Not just a holiday

"The birth of Christ is something we look at anachronistically," said Rev. James M. Dunfee, pastor of St. Ann Catholic Church in Chesapeake. "By that I mean we place importance on Christ's birth --

Christmas -- because of Easter. Had He been born and died like other men we would not celebrate Christmas. But because He rose from the dead, we know who He is. Because He rose from the dead we know there is something greater than ourselves."

Rev. Jeff Davenport, senior pastor at Mamre Baptist Church in Kitts Hill, sees that first Easter morning as a moment in history that changed the world, one life at a time, and continues to do so.

"Easter is so significant because it celebrates the literal resurrection from the dead of Jesus Christ," Davenport said. "The Bible teaches that Jesus died in our place. Sin separates us from God with no hope of heaven. The voluntary death of Jesus paid the penalty for sin as God required.

"Everyone who will trust Him to be their savior can have their sins forgiven and fellowship with God restored, thus securing their place in Heaven. We receive all of this by simply asking Jesus (in prayer) to forgive us of our sins and accepting Him as our savior. His resurrection, which has been confirmed by historical sightings, is undeniable proof that Jesus Christ is who He says He is."

Help for a troubled world

Dunfee said he believes a great emptiness exists in the world today, and the message of Christ and belief in His triumph over death and sin can fill that emptiness. "There are so many things that can give us superficial happiness, but people can be drawn to church and find a deeper fulfillment. Because of His sufferings and death on the cross, there can be great meaning to our lives."

Rev. Harold Demus, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Ironton, said the Easter season can be a time for reflection on life.

"People need to look at their lives," Demus said. "We don't do that enough these days. We should reflect not only on the hope (of Easter) but on the lessons Christ taught us."

Dunfee said people can gain a lot by applying in their lives the lessons that Jesus taught when He was on this earth. One of the lessons that Jesus taught is unconditional love. Dunfee said this love is often hard for human beings to accept, understand and certainly to practice.

"We live in a world where love is degraded, misunderstood, misused and abused, so we have a hard time when we do come face to face with the love of Jesus Christ," he said.

Demus said Christ's death was a reflection of God's love for man, that He would send His son to die for man's sins. It is also a reflection's of Jesus' obedience to God that He would take man's place on the cross for man's sins.

"Obedience isn't stressed much these days. But the scriptures say Jesus was obedient, even unto death. If the son of God felt that obedience was a prime way of reflecting God's love, then certainly those of us who are His disciples should realize that obedience, obedient love, is required of us. Obedient love means love for God and love for others," Demus said. "I'd like to see more of that."

Dunfee said the unconditional love that Christ has for man is an example that every Christian is expected to follow.

"This is what sets Christianity apart from other religions. A Christian can love even non-Christians. Christian charity is extended to anyone without demanding that they become our faith. An example of that is Mother Teresa. Almost all of the people she cared for were Hindus. And Covenant House in New York City, it takes in kids from the street life, regardless of their religion. You don't see Hindus doing this, you don't see people of other faiths doing this. Other religions focus their charity primarily on people of their own faith. But Christian charity isn't like that."

Hope and the hereafter

Dunfee said death, burial and resurrection of Christ is a message of hope, not only for a more fulfilling life on this earth, but hope of eternal life someday.

"If we believe He died to save us, then He set a pattern," Dunfee said. "His life, His sufferings and death on the cross, that pattern is behind every hope that a Christian has. This pattern gives us a sense of life and hope that good can come of tragedy. He arose triumphant from the tomb and because of this, we should not have a sense of absolute tragedy. All things can be worked out for the best in God's providence."

Demus echoed this thought.

"Because we believe, we have hope -- not only in Christ's resurrection, but our own. First Corinthians says 'because He lives, we shall have life also.' When you know this and totally believe it , you need not fear death."

Demus said he has sat beside the bed of Christians who are dying and witnessed their peace and confidence in spite of their pain and suffering.

"When you totally know and believe, there is a victory that in spite of death, there is a confidence in knowing they are with The Lord," he said.

The message of Easter

What is the overriding message of Easter?

"Jesus Christ is who He said He was," Davenport said. "He died for your sins and if you will simply ask Him, He will forgive you of your sins and save your soul. This is not a flippant matter, but one that requires your total sincerity and faith. Just as Jesus arose from death unto life, so can you -- those who are spiritually dead can be made alive through trusting the risen savior."