It’s hard to believe that Easter is only days away, especially when you glance outside at the piles of snow that have fallen over the weekend. But, it’s coming – the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection! So, how will your family prepare?
It doesn’t seem that long ago that we were preparing to celebrate Jesus’ birth – shopping, planning, wrapping presents. And then it arrived: Christmas. A major event on the Christian calendar, right? The day we celebrate the very birth of our Savior!
But Easter: that’s an event that changed our story forever! Jesus’ death & resurrection is the reason for the hope that we have. It’s central to our beliefs, foundational in our whole reason for living. Jesus, being truly God and truly man gave His life as a sacrifice for our sin. Willingly. For His Father’s glory and because of His great love for us. And that means freedom, forgiveness and true life for each one who believes! So, how in the world do we prepare to celebrate this pivotal moment in history? Dying Easter eggs? Maybe. Picking out matching spring outfits? Sometimes. (side note: you might consider how gloves, scarves, and a hat can “tie in” to your Easter apparel this year!) What about having a parade through your family room? Maybe washing each other’s feet? (Yeah, I know, moms: you already wash your children’s feet. Routinely. …but, this is a different kind of washing!)
Depending on the age of your family, you may have a few nights or just a few minutes to spend together – learning about Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, the week leading up to His own death, and His miraculous resurrection on Easter morning. Open your Bibles together and take a look at all that He did during that week. Notice how He spent His time, even though He knew that the end was near.
Here are some idea links to get you started:
Clean on the Inside: a family devotional for Holy Week (free pdf when you subscribe)
Resurrection Cookies – try this recipe on Saturday!
The 12 Voices of Easter – listen/discuss with older children
5 Ways to talk to your kids about Jesus’ crucifixtion
Whatever you choose to do, be intentional. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:5-9).
Be intentional as you prepare the way for the Lord in your family this week.
The Crosspoint Blog 