Colorful eggs and bunnies are fun, but Easter means much more to some students and faculty.

Although Easter is officially celebrated for just one day, ISU football player J.J. Moses said Easter is all about Jesus, because “Jesus helps me out every day.”

Moses, senior in history, said he is thankful for what Jesus did on Easter and tries to stand firm in his faith by reading the Bible and praying.

“I see [Jesus’ resurrection] as the focal point in human history. Since then, there hasn’t been much that hasn’t been affected by the teachings of Jesus or the Bible,” said Charlie Johnson, vice president of Government of the Student Body.

Johnson, junior in political science, said people find out for themselves what is true as they grow into adulthood.

“I grew up with Christianity, but I’ve found much of the stuff I grew up with still holds true today,” he said.

Jared Van Cleave, president of The Salt Company, said, “Easter is not about the Easter bunny, or pastel colors, or candy or Easter egg hunts. It’s not about anything this world has to offer.”

It’s a time to reflect on the suffering that Christ endured, said Van Cleave, junior in management.

“That penalty he received was supposed to be my penalty,” he said. “He went through all that for me, and because of his death on the cross, I can escape the just punishment of eternity separated from God.”

Van Cleave said because of Jesus, he now lives for eternal things in heaven instead of the things the world has to offer.

“I want to understand what it means to be an authentic Christian and be like Christ,” he said.

Mark Chidister, associate dean of the College of Design, said Easter commemorates the moment when Jesus Christ, the son of God, walked out of a tomb full of life a few days after he was placed there following his crucifixion.

“Jesus’ deity, perfect life and willingness to die for all people met my need and the need of all people to be forgiven of sin and reconciled to God for eternity,” he said. “The resurrection is the single source of hope for those who believe.”

Randy Alexander, director of the Department of Residence, said Easter reminds people that mistakes are not final.

“A lot of people carry around baggage, feeling guilty for things they’ve done in the past,” he said. “One of the messages of Easter is that even though we make mistakes, forgiveness is available.”