In his iconic radio address, President Ronald Reagan highlights the profound unity that holidays, traditions, and sacred observances can bring to humanity—across generations, nations, and even time itself. The Easter holiday, in particular, holds unparalleled potential to unite us as it marks the most significant event in human history—the final sacrifice, the fulfillment of the Passover, and the atonement for sins. Consider this excerpt from President Reagan’s radio address:
My fellow Americans:
This week as American families draw together in worship, we join with millions upon millions of others around the world also celebrating the traditions of their faiths. During these days, at least, regardless of nationality, religion, or race, we are united by faith in God, and the barriers between us seem less significant.
Observing the rites of Passover and Easter, we’re linked in time to the ancient origins of our values and to the unborn generations who will still celebrate them long after we’re gone. As Paul explained in his Epistle to the Ephesians, `He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. So then you were no longer strangers and aliens, but you were fellow citizens of God’s household.”
This is a time of hope and peace, when our spirits are filled and lifted. It’s a time when we give thanks for our blessings — chief among them, freedom, peace, and the promise of eternal life. — Radio Address to the Nation on the Observance of Easter and Passover, April 2, 1983
On this sacred day, we remember the One Sacrifice that was made for all of humanity, for all time. This sacrifice makes possible the righteousness which was rightfully Christ’s, now made available to the undeserving throughout time. In our desperate predicament, there is a thread that connects you to me and us to our Christian ancestors, including Adam.
And through this sacrifice, we share in the communion of Saints, because of our communion with Christ. The words spoken during the Last Supper remind us of this sacred bond: “And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. -Luke 22:19-20
So, while we are tempted to compartmentalize our lives into tidy boxes, don’t. This season is about seeing and unleashing the power of the resurrection to bring us closer to one another as we pursue closeness to our Risen Savior.
