Easter is just around the corner, and, like many other holidays, its roots may be found in ancient paganism.

The eighth century English monk, Venerable Bede, popularized the notion that "Easter" is derived from Eastre, the old Germanic goddess of spring. Others conclude that "Easter" began with Ishtar, the Assyrian fertility goddess of spring, or Astarte--the Phoenician or Greek composite of Ishtar and Aphrodite.

The fact that many pagan people used rabbits and "Easter" eggs as fertility symbols to celebrate the forces of spring, and that such forces were usually manifested in popular goddess images, is also indisputable.

The difference between the scenario above and true Christianity is obvious. When Christians attend Easter sunrise services they celebrate the meaning and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Ancient spring goddesses are far from the picture.

Furthermore, even if the word "Easter" originated with a pagan goddess, am I forbidden to exalt the Lord on an Easter Sunday morning? That would be silly. Every day of the week is connected to some pagan deity! Monday is "moon's day," Tuesday is "Tiw's day," Wednesday is "Woden's day," Thursday is "Thor's day," and so on.