So much of our lives can come across as burdensome. There are the high gas prices, steadily high unemployment and a contentious political climate that benefits from pitting one group against another. Those problems, for millions worldwide, are just cosmetic. Life does not come down to a bottom line or envy over others’ possessions.

For millions of other people, today is a day of faith. Today is Easter Sunday. It is a day of rebirth and Resurrection. Today is the day to honor the rising of Jesus from his earthen tomb to God’s kingdom. On this day, all is renewed. Closed eyes will open. The steadfast faith in God’s giving up his only son to atone for our sins will grow stronger. The quest for everlasting life will begin again.

Nearly 2,000 years ago, the Bible tells us, the Messiah Jesus was betrayed. He stood trial for heresy, claiming that he was the son of God. He was found guilty, sentenced to death by crucifixion and died upon a cross in ancient Israel. His body was placed in a tomb, a boulder shutting its only entrance. Three days passed. The boulder was rolled away, revealing a cloth used to wrap Jesus’ body, but no body. Believers say he rose from the dead and was seated at the right hand of the father.

Easter of modern times often is associated with chocolate bunnies and dyeing Easter eggs — a fun treat for so many children. But beyond the chocolate and the eggs lies a meaning deeper than the greatest abyss. Around Christmastime, it is said to “remember the reason for the season.” We also should remember the reason for Easter. Beyond the baskets and eggs is the rising of the savior who was given up for our own sins.

Hard times have hit many of us, and harder times might exist in the future. As Easter shows, though, no matter how dark the skies grow, there is always hope for brighter days.

Today is that day. Celebrate and reflect. Do good for others as you would wish others to do for you. Decide what makes us who we are and work to continuously better ourselves so that one day we, too, can earn eternal life.