Christmas and Easter are the two holidays most cherished by the Church, and rightly so. They are inseparable. Without the birth of Christ, there would be no cross. Without the cross and resurrection, His birth would have little meaning. Both stand as annual reminders of God’s grace.

Growing up, Easter often meant bunnies, baskets, jellybeans, marshmallow Peeps and dressing up for church. Somewhere in the celebration, the true meaning was lost on me.

The first Easter was different. Jesus’ followers were confused, grieving, and afraid. Even after the resurrection, it took several weeks and multiple appearances from Jesus for the reality to sink in. Then came Pentecost—fifty days later.

In Acts 2, 120 believers were gathered in one place when the Holy Spirit arrived in power. A crowd of Jews, in Jerusalem for the Feast of First fruits, rushed in to see what was happening. And Peter stood up and preached the first “Easter sermon.”

He explained three life-changing truths about Jesus.

First, Jesus’ life was perfect.

Peter called Him “Jesus of Nazareth” (Acts 2:22). Nazareth was not a place of honor. Nathanael once asked, “Can anything good come from there?” Yet Jesus was publicly accredited by God through miracles, wonders, and signs. He lived among them. They saw Him heal the sick, raise the dead, and teach with authority. He was the sinless, perfect man.

Second, Jesus’ death was God’s perfect plan.

Peter boldly declared, “This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge” (Acts 2:23). The Jews understood sacrifice. Their entire worship system revolved around blood being shed for forgiveness. Peter was revealing that Jesus was the final sacrifice—the spotless Lamb whose blood paid for sin once and for all. Grace sent Jesus to the cross. Grace held Him there willingly.

Third, Jesus’ resurrection was the perfect conclusion.

“But God raised him from the dead” (Acts 2:24). But God. Death could not hold Him because sin had no claim on Him. Jesus conquered death, and by grace He offers that victory to us. Our hope is not just for this life. Because He lives, we can live now in resurrection power through the Holy Spirit and forever in His presence.

The crowd was “cut to the heart” and asked, “What shall we do?”

Peter answered, “Repent and be baptized.”

Repentance means to turn around—to change your mind and direction. Baptism is the public declaration that you belong to Jesus.

Here’s the good news: grace is not a contract. It is not “you do your part, and God does His.” Grace is not earned; it is offered. Jesus has already paid the price. There is nothing left for Him to do.

Heaven is not reserved for good people. Heaven has been purchased for forgiven people.

So regardless of what you’ve done, how far you’ve strayed, or how long it’s been since you spoke to God—grace awaits you.

Believe. Receive. Turn around.

The risen Christ is calling you.