There are two very distinct ways of celebrating Easter - one religious and one seasonal. After mourning the horror of Christ's crucifixion on the cross at Calvary, we now celebrate the glorious event of the resurrection.

On the other side, Easter also heralds the coming of spring, a time of new life and new beginnings. Then again, isn't that what the resurrection is really all about - a new beginning, new life for mankind?

All too often, the commercialization overshadows the real meaning of this important event. We should not lose sight of what Good Friday and Easter are all about: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Aside from that there is the ever popular notion of Peter Cottontail and brightly painted Easter Eggs. Children enjoy egg hunts and all the stories that are told about Peter and his egg deliveries just as much as they enjoy the Santa stories at Christmas. The Easter egg theme has gone a long way towards commercializing Easter, especially in recent years. We are bombarded on all sides, through all forms of media, by advertisements for Easter eggs, plush toys - bunnies, chicks, etc. - each confectionary and toy company trying to grab its share of the market.

Without focusing on the commercial side, you will find a little of both aspects of the Easter season on these pages.