The Easter Lily

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that bit did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. (1 John 3:1-3 ESV).

 

Continuing our foray into the symbols of Easter we are going to focus on Easter Lilies today. Lilies are native to Japan and were brought to England in 1777, but wound their way to the U.S. in the wake of World War I. While lilies are mentioned by Jesus in the New Testament (cf. Luke 12:27), there is no direct correlation to the resurrection. As is true with most of our traditions and symbols, the lily wouldn’t become such a traditional symbol until the 18^th Century. However, there are some very clear things about this flowering plant that remind us of the work of God in the resurrection.

 

Easter lilies, particularly their pure white color and trumpet shape, symbolize purity, rebirth, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, making them a fitting choice for Easter celebrations and church decorations. The white color of the Easter lily is a strong symbol of purity and innocence, often associated with the purity of Christ. The Easter lily's growth from a bulb buried in the ground, blossoming into a beautiful flower, is a visual representation of rebirth and new life, echoing the key tenet of Christianity in the resurrection. The trumpet shape of the Easter lily is said to represent a trumpet sounding the message that Jesus has risen, symbolizing hope and eternal life.

 

Our reading today emphasizes the result of the purity of Jesus and how that is passed on to believers. The Apostle John says, “And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure” (v. 3). The essential meaning for us is in the truth that because of this substitutionary element of Jesus’ resurrection is much more than the gift of eternal life. That, of course, is a wonder; however, to create in us the purity of God’s intention means we are made fit for heaven and the eternal presence of God. It returns us to the state of humanity before the sin of Adam and Eve. Can you imagine a state of being better than that! Now we really can walk with Him and talk to Him! The Easter Lily is a reminder of that truth.