Just Jesus at Easter
According to a Barna Study, two out of three Americans recognize Easter as a religious holiday, and less than half, 42 percent, connect Easter with the resurrection of Christ. Easter is decidedly more than chocolate eggs and a bunny. It’s all about Jesus and His everlasting gift for all who call on His name. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13 & Acts 2:21).
Parents, as spiritual leaders, have a wonderful opportunity during Holy Week to walk children through the death and resurrection of Christ. Use the Word of God to lay the framework for the week. Read Luke 19:28-38 before attending the Palm Sunday service. On Good Friday, read Mark 14:22-26 to prepare for Communion. John, chapters 18-20:18, tell of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Make a point this year of making Easter all about the Savior by using the Bible as a teaching tool and less about jelly beans and baskets.
An activity that has made the empty tomb experiential for my children is the baking of Resurrection Rolls. The wide eyes of little ones expresses the wonder of the Savior rising from the dead, leaving the tomb vacant.
Resurrection Rolls
large marshmallows
sugar/cinnamon mixture
melted butter
prepared crescent rolls
1. Open can of crescent rolls and separate into triangles. The rolls represent the linen wrapping used in covering the body. 2. Dip and roll one marshmallow into melted butter. The butter represents the oils used in anointing the body.
3. Roll the marshmallow in the sugar/cinnamon mixture. The mixture represents the spices used in burials.
4. Place the marshmallow in the center of the crescent triangle. Fold and pinch the edges tight. Put each crescent wrapped marshmallow on parchment paper.
5. Bake the rolls as directed on the package. The oven represents the tomb. When cooked, the marshmallow melts leaving only the puffed crescent roll. This demonstrates how Jesus rose from the dead. All that remained in the tomb were the linen wrappings.
May your Holy Week be truly holy.
He is risen, He is risen indeed!
© 2012 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.
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