WHY CELEBRATE EASTER

Many faithful Christians struggle to keep the theological message of Easter in the center of their celebrations, not hidden and scattered like so many Easter eggs. Russo (who became something of a holy-day hero through his book Keeping Christ in Christmas) gives them a load of practical suggestions for doing so, drawing upon centuries of liturgical traditions. Russo's brief historical backgrounds are fascinating (whoever heard of Quinquagesima Sunday, the Sunday before Ash Wednesday?). The book points to a treasure trove of Christ-centered celebrations that can help Christians focus more on Easter's theological message than its various cultural trappings. (Mar.)