Easter is quickly approaching. Children are looking forward to hunting for eggs and seeing what the Easter Bunny has brought them in their baskets. The pastel colored clothing and sugary candy have greatly overshadowed the real meaning behind why we celebrate Easter. Attending church as a family on Easter Sunday is such a small and often unimportant part of the day.
The real meaning of Easter is that Jesus died on the cross and rose again to save us from our sin. Although the weight of Easter can be hard for children to understand at times, teaching the importance of forgiveness and a Savior is important to their Christian walk. How can we teach our children about the real meaning of Easter in a fun and engaging way?
Coloring Eggs
Decorating Easter eggs is a fun activity for the whole family during this holiday and it is possible to teach our children the real meaning of Easter while doing so. The Christian Broadcasting Network suggests coloring the eggs to symbolize various parts of the Easter story. Black could represent sin, red could represent the blood shed on the cross, purple is the color of royalty, and green symbolizes new life. While you color the eggs talk with your children about the true Easter story.
Little Artists
You may have heard of the “Stations of the Cross” during which the events leading up to the death and resurrection are recited or acted out in some church denominations. The Today Show suggests getting out your art supplies and having your children draw or create what these various “stations” are using the art supplies given.
Story Time
So many good books have been written and illustrated for children telling the story of Easter. Go to your local bookstore or library and pick out a few of your favorites to read to your children.
The Real Bunny
Focus on the Family has a unique illustration of what the Easter Bunny could represent:
Real Easter bunnies:
• are white as snow because Jesus takes all sin away (Isaiah 1:18b).
• are gentle, kind-hearted and forgiving (Ephesians 4:32).
• have big ears that are quick to listen (James 1:19).
• have big eyes to look carefully and choose what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
• have no voice for complaining or arguing (Philippians 2:13).
• are quiet in prayer, but hop with thanksgiving and rejoicing (Philippians 4:4-6).
• have big feet to go tell others about Jesus so they can be like Easter bunnies, too (Matthew 28: 19-20).
• eat what is healthy by filling up on God’s word every day (Psalm 119:11).
There are so many great ways to teach your children the truth about Easter. Our culture is not going to teach them about the death and resurrection of Christ which allows for them to have a saving faith so we must put forth the effort to do so. May you and your family have a blessed Easter season!
