But why call it Easter? According to Encyclopedia Brittanica "Bede in the 8^th century derived it from that of the Anglo-Saxon spring goddess Eostre." Others have said that it goes further back to a Babylonian deity of similar name.

And why it is a 'moveable feast'? "Easter day in the 'west' is the first Sunday after the full moon which happens upon or next after the vernal equinox. If the full moon occurs on a Sunday, Easter day is the Sunday after."

The Jewish Passover is calculated by the month Nisan beginning according to the vernal equinox new moon, and the feast follows from the 14^th day of Nisan. Early Christians in the east observed Jewish custom. Polycrates, bishop of Ephesus in the second century, followed by Eusebius in the fourth century had something to say about this. By then the two traditions had become clear.

Does it matter? Many will think it does, while others will be particular only about the 'spiritual' aspects of the celebration. For many, the Memorial of our Lord's death celebrated on 14^th Nisan will be very important but others will not be concerned whether non-alcoholic juice or alcoholic wine, is used; Passover biscuit or ordinary bread. Two great leaders of the reformation, Luther and Zwingli argued in Marburg Castle about the meaning and keeping of the Lord's supper. The controversies continue.

Does it mean that in the attention to material detail something of the spirit of this wonderful occasion is lost? Let us all so speak and act that we do not offend the conscience of another for whom Christ died (Rom.14.15-19). Perhaps then together we can shout 'Hallelujah' on Easter Sunday morning and greet each other with "The Lord is risen indeed".

It is in that resurrection power that we can live through the remainder of the year, changed by the power of the Holy Spirit into the likeness of the living Saviour.