I never thought I'd recommend celebrating Easter in any place other than a church or on top of a hill. However, this Easter, I recommend you consider going to a movie theatre, in addition to a traditional Easter service. The movie to see is Mel Gibson's The Passion of The Christ.

The response to this historic film has far exceeded the expectations of producer/director Mel Gibson and Icon Productions. They are grateful for the individual and group efforts that have taken place around the world to mobilize family, friends and congregations to see this movie since it opened on Ash Wednesday.

A recent survey revealed that 19 percent of respondents had already seen the film. Nearly half (49%) of the respondents said they have not yet seen the movie, but intend to see it. How many times have any of us had every intention to see a movie, but never get around to doing so before it left the theaters? Don't let that happen with The Passion of The Christ.

Holy Week is a time each year when churches and individuals around the world focus on Christ's passion and resurrection. As Easter approaches, this may be the best opportunity for anyone to attend this life-changing movie.

Jim Caviezel as Jesus Christ in 'The Passion'

If you've already seen the film yourself, take advantage of the opportunity to experience Christ's Passion in real time tonight, on Good Friday -- the day Christians commemorate Christ's willing sacrifice for all Mankind.

If you haven't yet seen The Passion of The Christ, invite anyone you care about to attend with you.

Chances are this story is on their mind and heart this week anyway!

Dr. James Dobson, founder and Chairman of the Board of Focus on the Family, encourages people to see The Passion of the Christ. He says, "It isn't often that I find myself speaking favorably about a modern movie, but this is a film that I believe is among the most powerful and important ever made."

Anyone who experiences this film will understand why it is the most controversial Bible movie in years. It's brutality is hard to bear. However, I think it is important to put into perspective the beatings we witnessed. None of the lashings or pain can compare to the literal hell Christ experienced taking on the sins of the world by going to Hell on our behalf.

In the end, Satan lost.

God won. Jesus won. The Holy Spirit won. And Christians believe that eventually every single person on earth who believes in Jesus will win.

May the Spirit of Easter take on new meaning for you this year after witnessing The Passion of The Christ.

Inspire & Be Inspired.

~Jennifer King

Previous Articles Written About This Subject:

RuggedElegantLiving.com, Jay Leno Hosts 'Passion' Composer, John Debney on 'The Tonight Show' Tonight, 3/11/2004

RuggedElegantLiving.com, Experiencing the Passion of Jesus" A Study Guide to Gibson's 'Passion', 2/26/04

RuggedElegantLiving.com, Review of Mel Gibson's 'The Passion of the Christ', 2/25/2004

RuggedElegantLiving.com, Mel Gibson's 'The Passion Of The Christ' Continues To Create Controversy, 2/22/2004

RuggedElegantLiving.com, 'The Passion' Movie Soundtrack by John Debney To Be Released on February 24th, 2/22/2004

RuggedElegantLiving.com, Ebert & Roeper's Exclusive Early Review of Mel Gibson's 'The Passion" To Air Sunday February 22, 2/21/2004