Why many christians will wake before sunrise to celebrate Easter

The word "Jesus" is displayed on a large monitor and worship songs are played on stage as people gather for the Easter sunrise service at the Lincoln Memorial, on April 9, 2023, in Washington. [AP Photo]

On Easter morning, many Christians wake before dawn to celebrate their belief in the resurrection of Jesus, the son of God - as the sun rises.

They gather outside on beaches and church lawns, in local cemeteries and national parks, marking the holy day at the very core of Christianity. For the majority of the world's Christians, Easter Sunday - and in turn, the sunrise service tradition - will be observed on March 31 this year.