Preparing Your Heart for EasterShembull

Celebrating Easter With Our Kids

Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10b). This verse should not be read too quickly or taken too lightly. The reason He came, died, and rose again was for us. As parents, it is our duty and honor to teach our children the importance of this verse and Resurrection Sunday.

A few years ago, my husband and I decided to commit to focusing more on Jesus during the Lenten/Easter season. This doesn’t seem like it would be necessary, considering the Easter season is all about Jesus. Still, we live in America—where every holiday is filled with distractions and suggestions of things to buy for our children. We wanted our family to parallel Paul’s thinking in Philippians 3:10, in which he says he wants to "...know Christ and the power of His resurrection".

As we all look to the Cross in the coming weeks, will you join us in being intentional with your children and slowing down to spend some precious time focusing on our Savior? I have compiled a short list of soul-stirring, family-friendly activities below to help you shout “He is risen!” together with your family on Resurrection Sunday!

1. Resurrection Eggs/Countdown to Easter

Anticipating Easter using Resurrection Eggs has been a favorite in our household for a few years. These look just like a regular set of plastic Easter eggs, but inside is a symbol, a verse, an activity (or anything to help teach your children about the Resurrection and the important events leading up to that day). Complete sets can be purchased at any Christian bookstore or on Amazon.

2. Resurrection Rolls

For a tangible representation of the Resurrection, my girls have loved making these for breakfast on Easter morning. But, of course, your children can make these themselves (which they love)! Typically, I will set out all the ingredients they need and let my girls go crazy while my husband reads the complete Resurrection story from Luke. This is always a special morning. I pray your family enjoys it as much as mine has. You can find a great recipe for Resurrection Rolls on the Help Club for Moms website.

3. Intentional Easter Basket

A tradition that is fun and classic is the Easter basket filled with goodies. My girls love getting one of these every Easter Sunday! For the past few years, I have been taking some extra time to plan ahead and create a basket that is more thoughtful and focused on Christ. I include age-appropriate Children's Bibles, Christ-centered crafts, and life-giving books that tell the story of Jesus (I have included a list below of a few of our family favorites).

Christ-Centered Books for the Easter Season:

• Journey to the Cross by Helen Haidle
• The Parable of the Lily by Liz Curtis Higgs
• Easter Bunny, Are You For Real? by Harold Myra
• An Easter Gift for Me by Crystal Bowman
• The Week That Led to Easter by Joanne Larrison
• The Tale of the Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt
• The Legend of the Easter Egg by Lori Walburg

Blessings and Love,

Rachel Jones & the Help Club for Moms Team