Making Easter More than an Easter Bunny
Filed under: faith
I'm always looking for ways to be intentional about teaching my kiddos about the Lord and also hope that unintentionally they see the Lord through the reflection of my life. As Easter is approaching, I find myself hitting that rock in the road, asking myself, "How should we celebrate Easter in a way that Jesus is who is glorified?"
I have two kiddos under the age of 2. It's obvious that their precious little minds cannot yet comprehend death or the sacrificial life Jesus lived. But they can understand when I tell them that Jesus loves them.
I've been searching through some ideas on Focus on the Family to turn Easter from what our world portrays it to be back to Jesus. This year, we're going to be filling our Easter eggs with hearts, because Jesus loves us so much. I also got the girls a really awesome movie, The Lion of Judah to watch as a family this Easter. It's the story of Jesus and how he saved the world, but all told in a story about animals.
I'm also rattling my brain on some creative ideas to make this Easter all about Jesus. As they come to me, I'll post :)
Tyler and I are so very blessed to have the opportunity to parent two little girls in hopes that they will one day choose to believe in our precious Savior, Jesus. Do ya'll have any neat ideas you've heard of or done yourself in celebrating a Christ filled Easter?
March 29, 2012 at 6:01 AM
Ok I found some :)
Even Jelly Beans can be used to share the good news message of Easter -
Jelly Bean Prayer
Red is for the blood He gave,
Green is for the grass He made,
Yellow is for the sun so bright,
Orange is for the edge of night.
Black is for the sins that were made,
White is for the grace He gave.
Purple is for the hour of sorrow,
Pink is for the new tomorrow.
A bag full of jelly beans,
Colorful and sweet,
Is a Prayer...is a Promise... Is an Easter treat!
this might be a little too old, but you could save it or try anyway...
Ingredients & directions for Resurrection cookies:
1 cup whole pecans Zipper baggie
1 tsp vinegar Wooden spoon
3 egg whites Tape
Pinch salt Bible
1 cup sugar
Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important-don’t wait until you’re half done with the recipe!)
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing.
Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Ps 34:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’s eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isa1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto waxed paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid.
Read Matt27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.
Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. Read Matt 27:65-66.
Go to bed! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a Resurrection cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matt 28:1-9.
March 29, 2012 at 7:00 AM
Hot cross buns that you make the day before, put them in the oven at night(the tomb) and in the morning they will have risen (like Jesus) and then you cook and eat :)
We used to do this when you all were little.
Also, you can teach them..."He is risen...He is risen indeed" ....and instead of the typical bunny give them a little lamb. It symbolizes Jesus...the ultimate sacrifice (not to mention that they are Nonnies favorite).
Mom
March 29, 2012 at 7:18 AM
I love all of your ideas! Ya'll are so sweet to take the time and tell me about them :) I love ya'll...