Every spring, millions of Christians in America and around the world gather to celebrate what is commonly called Easter Sunday — a time to reflect on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But is this modern celebration aligned with the original Biblical timeline? When we examine both Scripture and history, we discover that Western Easter and God’s appointed Feast days are not only celebrated on different dates but represent two very different understandings of God’s calendar.

What Does “Easter” Really Mean?

Most people don’t realize that the word “Easter” itself comes from the word “Pascha”, which directly translates to Passover — the very feast God commanded Israel to observe (Exodus 12:14). So when we say “Easter,” we are literally referring to Passover. Yet, strangely, Western Christianity separates the resurrection of Jesus from Passover, even though they are historically and prophetically linked.

Wrong Date, Wrong Time?

Unlike birthdays or anniversaries, which fall on the same date every year but on different days of the week, America always makes sure that Easter falls on a Sunday — regardless of when Passover actually happens. This “floating Sunday” approach completely breaks the pattern of God’s appointed times.

Consider this:

• Jesus died on Passover, fulfilling the Passover Lamb imagery (1 Corinthians 5:7).
• The next day, the Feast of Unleavened Bread begins, symbolizing a sinless life.
• The Feast of Firstfruits, celebrated on the day after the Sabbath following Passover, represents His resurrection as the “firstfruits” from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:20).

Yet Western Easter often ignores these connections, assigning arbitrary dates based on church tradition rather than God’s Word.

God’s Appointed Times Matter

The Bible calls these Feasts “appointed times” (Hebrew: Moedim) — divine appointments set by God Himself, not by man (Leviticus 23:4). When we change God’s appointments, we are essentially saying our schedule is better than God’s — a dangerous stance for any believer.

Leviticus 23 lays out seven Feasts of the Lord, and the spring feasts — Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Firstfruits — were fulfilled in Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. To separate “Easter” from these Feasts is to miss the prophetic significance of what Jesus did for us.

A 2025 Example: Mismatched Dates

In 2025, this difference is clear:

• Passover begins on April 12, 2025.
• The Feast of Unleavened Bread follows on April 13, 2025.
• The Feast of Firstfruits — marking the resurrection — would be April 14 or 15, 2025, depending on how you count from the Sabbath.

Meanwhile, America’s Easter is set for April 20, 2025 — a week later, disconnected from the Biblical timeline.

Why Does This Matter?

Some might say, “What’s important is that we honor Jesus’ resurrection, regardless of the date.” But consider this:

• If God set appointments, shouldn’t we honor them as He commanded?
• If we change the dates, do we fully grasp the prophetic fulfillment of these events?
• If Passover reflects His sacrifice, Unleavened Bread His sinlessness, and Firstfruits His resurrection, why would we mix them up?

To ignore God’s calendar is to ignore His message. These appointed times are not just rituals — they are prophetic pictures of God’s redemptive plan.

Final Thoughts

As followers of Christ, we are called to seek truth and walk in alignment with God’s Word — not just tradition. Honoring the true Feasts of the Lord connects us directly to the timeline God Himself established for redemption through His Son.

So as we approach 2025, we should ask ourselves:

• Are we celebrating man’s tradition or God’s appointment?
• Are we following the crowd or following the Word?

The Feasts of the Lord are His gift to us — to understand His plan, remember His sacrifice, and look forward to His return. Let’s not miss the true meaning of the resurrection by keeping it on the wrong date.

What Are We Really Choosing — Attendance or Obedience?

If you are a church leader or part of a congregation that ignores God’s appointed times, it’s worth asking:

What are we really choosing — attendance or attention to God’s appointments?

Too often, churches prioritize getting people in the door over teaching them truth. But compromising God’s calendar for the sake of tradition, convenience, or crowd-pleasing is choosing man over God.

Think about it:

• Are we celebrating “Easter Sunday” simply because that’s when everyone shows up?
• Are we willing to honor God’s appointed times, even if it means fewer people but deeper truth?

If God set these appointed times to reveal His Son and His plan for humanity, shouldn’t every church that claims to follow Christ align with His calendar — not the world’s?

This is not just about dates — it’s about obedience, honoring God, and teaching the full counsel of His Word.

“Thus you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord throughout your generations. You shall keep it as a feast by an everlasting ordinance.” (Exodus 12:14)

God didn’t set these Feasts to be optional or temporary. They are eternal reminders of His covenant and redemption plan through Jesus.

So as church leaders and believers, we must ask:

• Are we choosing God’s truth or man’s tradition?
• Are we teaching people to follow Jesus — or just filling seats?

A Call to Return to God’s Calendar

As we approach the season when many celebrate the resurrection, let’s challenge ourselves and our churches to return to God’s appointed times. Let’s not trade God’s holy appointments for human traditions. Let’s honor the true Passover Lamb on His timeline, and give God’s people the full understanding of His prophetic plan.