How To Celebrate Good Friday

Good Friday: Let's Reflect on Why It's "Good," The Meaning of Easter, Its Significance, and Connect.

Hi everyone, Good Friday is here in Glasgow (April 18th, 2025), and it's a really significant day for lots of people around the world, especially Christians. You might be thinking, "Good Friday? Why 'good' when we're remembering something so sad?" That's a totally fair question!

See, Good Friday is the day when Christians remember Jesus' betrayal, his brutal beating and torture, and ultimately, his death on a cross. Jesus was a Jewish man from a small town in Judea, and he was known for doing incredible good – healing the sick, caring for the marginalized, and offering forgiveness. He touched lepers, gave sight to the blind, and treated everyone with love and respect.

But not everyone liked his message. The religious leaders at the time felt threatened, and on this day we call Good Friday, Jesus was falsely accused, betrayed, whipped, mocked, and then executed through crucifixion, which was a really cruel and painful way to die under Roman rule. You can read more about it in the Bible, in the book of John, chapter 19, verses 1-30.

So, back to the big question: How can a day like that be considered 'good'?"

The answer lies in understanding why God sent Jesus into the world and who Jesus truly was. Christians believe that God — our Creator — loves us all so much and wants to be in a perfect, peaceful relationship with us. He wants to give meaning and purpose to our lives. That's why he sent his one and only son — Jesus — to Earth to live, die, and rise again for our sake. As it says, "For here is the way God loved the world — he gave his only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life" (John 3:16). 

Jesus experienced life on Earth just like us. He knew what it was like to be hungry, tired, alone, and even grieving. Then, on Good Friday, he faced betrayal, rejection, and immense physical and verbal pain.

And here's a powerful thought: Many of the emotions that were there on Good Friday are like those we experience today. There's nothing you might be feeling – friends who let you down, fear about the future, worries about money or health, sadness for loved ones, confusion, or even loneliness – that God hasn't seen before. Jesus understands all of it.

The significance of Good Friday lies in the fact that Jesus loves us so much that he gave up everything so that we could experience true and everlasting life. He took all of this – our shame, our brokenness, our mistakes – upon himself. He put them to death on the cross so that we could be free from it all. 

That leads us to Easter! What's the meaning behind all the chocolate eggs and bunnies? Well, at its heart, the true meaning of Easter is about the incredible love Jesus has for us and the purpose and peace he offers us.

The Bible says that Jesus himself said, "I am the path, the truth, and the energy of life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Jesus died and then rose back to life so that everyone could have a meaningful relationship with God the Father, the Creator of everything. Sin broke that connection, but Jesus fixed it through his sacrifice and resurrection. Because Jesus overcame death, we too can have the hope of a new, everlasting life in Heaven with God.

But Easter isn't just about a promise for the future. It also offers us hope and joy for today. Life can throw a lot at us – worries about money, health, safety, and just general heartache. But Jesus offers something deeper: peace of mind and heart. He said, "I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid" (John 14:27).

So, the meaning of Easter is that no matter what we're going through, we can have hope and peace because of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. It means we are deeply loved and never alone in our struggles. This promise of peace is constant and forever – it's up to us to choose to accept it.

And the significance of Easter celebrations is rooted in this incredible story. Even some of the traditions we enjoy today have connections to the biblical Easter story. Hot cross buns, often eaten on Good Friday, have the cross on top symbolizing the cross Jesus died on, and the spices inside are said to represent those used to prepare his body for burial.

Even Easter eggs have a meaning! The hollow chocolate egg can remind us of the empty tomb after Jesus rose, and the solid egg shape can be like the stone that was rolled away. And those cute chocolate bunnies? They often represent new life, because the resurrection of Jesus offers new and everlasting life to everyone who believes in him.

Whatever Easter customs and traditions you might enjoy this year, we hope they remind you of the real meaning of Easter — which is Jesus’ love for you.

Now that we have a bit more understanding of what Good Friday is all about, its significance, what Easter means, and the meaning behind some of our traditions, let's think about how people actually observe Good Friday. It's not a party, but there are definitely meaningful ways to spend the day:

Quiet Reflection Time: This is a big one. Good Friday is a moment to think about the sacrifice Jesus made. Lots of people take some time to be quiet, maybe read some scriptures or prayers, or just have a peaceful moment to themselves. It's like hitting the pause button on all the craziness and just being present.

Church Services and Gatherings: Many churches hold special services on Good Friday. These services often focus on the events leading up to the crucifixion, with readings, hymns, and maybe even a somber atmosphere. It's a way for the community to come together and remember this important part of their faith.

Fasting or Abstaining from Certain Foods: For some Christians, Good Friday is a day of fasting or abstaining from certain foods, like meat. It's a way to participate in a small way with the sacrifice that was made. It's kind of like a way to show solidarity and focus on the spiritual meaning of the day rather than just physical pleasures.

Acts of Service and Kindness: Since the day is about sacrifice and love, doing something kind for others can be a really meaningful way to observe Good Friday. This could be volunteering, helping out a neighbor, or just doing something thoughtful for someone you care about. It's all about spreading a little love and compassion.

Spending Time with Family and Friends: While it's a day of reflection, it's also a good time to connect with the people you care about. Spending quality time with family or close friends can be a comforting and supportive way to acknowledge the day together.

Watching Religious Films or Reading Books: There are tons of movies and books that tell the story of Jesus's life and the events of Good Friday. Watching or reading these can be a really impactful way to understand the significance of the day.

Observing a Moment of Silence: In some places, people might observe a moment of silence at a specific time to collectively remember the crucifixion. It's a powerful way to feel connected to others who are also observing the day.

Good Friday might feel different from other holidays, but it's a really important time for many to reflect on faith, sacrifice, and love, knowing the hope and new life that Easter brings. It's a chance to slow down and think about things that truly matter.

So, out of all these ideas, which one resonates the most with you? How are you planning to spend your Good Friday today? And what are you looking forward to most about Easter weekend? Let me know in the comments.