Go Back to All Easter and Lent Resources
Julia Descarpentrie
·
Easter is such a powerful and holy season. But it is quickly being overshadowed by an overgrown rabbit, and its real meaning is often lost on over-sugared children. Even many adults are unsure as to why we celebrate Easter. Discover (or rediscover) the beauty of this pivotal event in the relationship between God and man with these ideas for creating a more meaningful Easter:
1. If you are unfamiliar with why Easter is celebrated, read the account of Jesus’ death and resurrection in Luke 23-24:7.
2. Rediscover why you celebrate Easter. Pull yourself away from the plastic eggs, fluffy bunnies, and chicks. Spend some time remembering what God has done for you to cure “Easter apathy.”
3. Have a neighborhood party with FamilyLife’s Resurrection Eggs®. Each set of 12 colorful plastic eggs contains objects that illustrate the true story of Easter. Hide the Resurrection Eggs along with plastic eggs that are filled with candy. After all of the eggs are found, open them together. Using the Resurrection Eggs, explain the miracle of Christ’s resurrection while the children munch on Easter treats.
4. If your kids have Easter baskets, try and keep the focus off of the “stuff.” How about a new children’s devotional or book? Include a bookmark with a Scripture about a character trait that you would like for them to grow in this year, or include a cross necklace if you have a daughter. Explain the significance of the cross. Kids love Scripture set to music, such as the Seeds of Faith, Seeds of Courage, or Seeds of Praise DVDs.
5. Make Resurrection Rolls and put them in bright baskets to give to friends and neighbors. Be sure to include an explanation on why the rolls are “empty” (to signify the empty tomb—Christ is risen!).
6. Check local news sites for listings of Passion plays in your area. Invite another family to attend one with you.
7. The film, JESUS, is the account of Jesus’ life based on the Gospel of Luke. It has been translated into over 100 languages and is a great gift to co-workers or neighbors whose native language is not English. Purchase the English children’s version to share with your family.
8. Introduce your children to the concept of dying to selfish desires to train them to focus on God and deepen their relationship with Him. You may want to fast, as a family, from food or from something that you all enjoy doing. For example, replace dessert with a time of family prayer, go without TV for a weekend, sing praises together instead of plugging in an iPod, etc.
9. Celebrate Passover (Deuteronomy 16:1-8) and the Last Supper (Matthew 26:17-30) with a traditional Passover Seder (a Jewish ritual feast marking the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Passover). What a meaningful way to teach your children that Christ is our sacrificial Lamb in fulfillment of Scripture.
Spring is a time of new life and awakening. Encourage your family in a spiritual awakening!
Copyright © 2013 by Julia DesCarpentrie. Used with permission.
