On the webpage of anti-slavery organisation ‘Stop The Traffik’ there is a large image of an Easter Egg. On it, as if piped with white chocolate, are the words ‘Children love Easter eggs. Except the ones who are forced to make them.’

As Easter quickly approaches and parents, schools and churches make plans to remember the death of Christ and to celebrate his resurrection, freedom is on everyone’s mind.

Freedom promised in the words of the prophet Isaiah. Freedom from the condemnation sin deserves. Freedom from death. All these things offered us through the work of our saviour Jesus Christ. Freely offered.

And we celebrate by giving, receiving and sharing eggs – a peculiar custom that’s crept into tradition over the years. Regardless of what we believe, most homes at Easter time will contain chocolate Easter eggs. But for me this begs a long hard look at my heart.

If Christ died so I might be free, how can I purchase chocolate easter eggs from my local supermarket without questioning the source of the cocoa? How can I ignore the fact that children as young as 8 are being forced to work for the eggs I buy my kids? How can celebrate with integrity the sacrifice of my saviour while turning a blind eye to the lack of freedom my celebration food creates?

The result of this soul-searching in my house is two-fold: 1) we consume a lot less chocolate than we may have otherwise, and 2) the eggs we purchase will be certified Fair Trade.

Because, after all, Easter was never meant to be about eggs, but it’s everything to do with freedom!

Penny