What does Easter mean to you?

Although Easter Sunday is set aside for Christians to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, rebirth is a constant, says an area pastor.

“We have lots of deaths and resurrections in our lifetime,” says the Rev. Beth Harbaugh of St. James United Methodist Church, 1430 Ellis Blvd. NW, Cedar Rapids.

Death can be anything from loss of a job or home to loss of a relationship and loss of life, she says.

“Death is not the end,” Harbaugh says. “We are not in charge; God is. The only thing we have is hope.”

Americans have a denial of death, she says, because we fear change.

“We need to keep fear in its place,” she says. “Love is the answer to fear. We need to live life to the fullest because we don't have to be afraid.”

The message of love and rebirth isn't reserved just for Christians, Harbaugh says.

“Once you have overcome death or addiction, you are able to be a witness to someone else,” she says.