As the long winter turned to spring, Christians throughout the world prepared for the most important holiday (Holy Day) of the year. Though Christmas often gets the most attention, it is Easter that is the backbone of Christianity.

In many Christian churches, throughout the Lenten season, the Way of the Cross that Jesus walked is remembered as Christians make their way from his "trial" to his death on the cross and burial in a borrowed tomb.

The final week of Lent began with Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. On that day, the crowd shouted Hosannas and greeted him with palm branches as they did with royalty.

On Thursday, Jesus celebrated the Jewish Passover with his friends at the Last Supper. As he broke the bread and gave it to them, he said, "This is my body." Taking the cup of wine he said, "This is my blood," adding, "do this in remembrance of me."

After the Passover meal, Jesus went into the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. He prayed for the people of his day and for us, knowing what was to come and also knowing that only by his death could we attain salvation and eternity in heaven.

How dreadful it must have been for him that his best friends could not watch with him and went to sleep. One of those friends betrayed him.

So why is it called Holy Week and why was Friday called Good Friday?

We believe that without Jesus' suffering and death on a Friday so long ago, there could be no resurrection, no Easter celebration no salvation. Because of his suffering, death and resurrection, someday, I believe, there will be peace on earth.

As I meditated during Holy Week, I asked, "What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus Christ?"

Very few of us will ever be asked to give our life for our beliefs so how does our Christianity play out in the today's world? Do we as Christians differ in our daily lives from those who are not Christians?

When Jesus told his followers to "Love one another as I have loved you," did he mean that we are to love only those who are like us?

I don't think so. There is no doubt in my mind that, like His Father in heaven, Jesus loves all of us, regardless of sex, race, color, ethnic background, sexual orientation or anything else that too many times we Christians use to set ourselves above others.

It's become popular for some to wear pins or clothing emblazoned with "WWJD" (What would Jesus do?). As we celebrate Easter and the beginning of our "new year" perhaps we need to ask ourselves, "What would Jesus have us do, in our relationships, our work and our daily lives?"

Those who truly love one another, will indeed celebrate with him on Easter Sunday.

Have a joyful Easter as you remember: Jesus Christ has risen today!

Billy Wetterer writes a weekly column for The Independent. E-mail her at billybillw@aol.com.