The "Good" about Good Friday

Good Friday commemorates Jesus Christ's crucifixion, a horrible and brutal death. Scripture tells us Jesus, sinless Son of God, was betrayed, arrested, tried, beaten, mocked, nailed to a cross, suffered, shed his blood, and died (Matthew 26- 27).

So what's good about Good Friday?

All people have sinned, and our sin separates us from God. God is just and required punishment for the sins we have committed. But God showed His love for us by sending His only Son to die for us (Romans 3: 21- 26; John 3: 16-17; Romans 5: 8). The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all unrighteousness (Hebrews 9: 22: 1 John 1: 7- 9).

Good Friday is good because God loves us, and His Son sacrificed Himself for our sins. Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead.  His tomb remains empty. He is alive forever (Matthew 28; Revelation 1: 18).  Whoever believes in Him has the promise of eternal life (John 3: 15- 16).

Will you believe?


Father God, you are righteous, just, and loving! Thank you for proving your love for all mankind by sending Your only Son, Jesus, to save us from our sins! We have sinned against you. When we confess our sins, you are faithful and righteous to forgive us. Thank you for your grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Help us to believe and trust in Jesus.  In the name of Jesus, our risen Lord and Savior, amen.

Using "Resurrection Eggs" to Illustrate the Easter Story

 

I use "Resurrection Eggs" to illustrate and reinforce the Easter story with young children.  "Resurrection Eggs" kits can be purchased at Christian book retailers, through Amazon, or you can make your own.

The kit contains plastic eggs filled with objects representing different parts of the Easter story,  and a booklet containing the Biblical account of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.

After children locate the hidden eggs, read the Biblical passages, opening each egg in story order. Children delight in discovering the objects and how they relate to the Easter message.

Follow up with a children's Easter song. We like Ho-Ho-Ho-Hosanna by Cedarmont Kids.

God's blessings to your and your family as you celebrate the resurrection of Jesus!


What tools or activities have you used to help little ones discover the true meaning of Easter?

"Mimi & Grandpa's Book of the Month": An Easter Adventure

The Littlest Bunny in Texas - An Easter Adventure by Lily Jacobs is the March choice for "Mimi & Grandpa's Book of the Month." After moving to Texas, May and Joe visit a pet shop. They choose the littlest bunny for their pet and name him Flop. The children do not realize Flop is actually the Easter Bunny. Flop travels around Texas delivering Easter eggs. My grandchildren have visited several destinations mentioned in the story, and they will be excited to hear these familiar names. I believe they'll also enjoy imagining what it would be like to have the Easter Bunny as a pet!

The book's illustrations by Robert Dunn are bright and colorful. Eggs hidden in the pictures add a fun element.  Children love searching for hidden objects within a picture.

Although The Littlest Bunny in Texas - An Easter Adventure does not convey the Biblical meaning of Easter, it does emphasize the beloved traditions of the Easter Bunny and egg hunts.
 
My grandchildren know Easter's true meaning is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Son of God. I've given them many Bible story picture books to read and enjoy. We make resurrection rolls  together to celebrate our risen Lord. They also enjoy decorating and searching for Easter eggs.

May God bless you and yours this Easter season.

Easter Prayer

 

Our Father God in Heaven,

You are holy! We thank you for loving us so much that you sent your Son, Jesus, as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. We rejoice Jesus is risen and reigns forever!

Help our friends and family members comprehend your great love. May each one confess "Jesus is Lord", and believe in their hearts that you, Father God, raised Jesus from the dead. May they all call upon your name and be saved, and live the abundant life you have promised. Give each the desire and strength to walk in love, truth, and righteousness. In the name of our risen Savior...amen.

Resurrection Rolls



"Jesus is not here; He has risen, just as He said..."

Matthew 28: 6

 

 

At Easter season, the grandkids and I make resurrection rolls. It's a fun way to remind us  the tomb is empty, and Jesus is alive. You need one can crescent roll dough, one bag  of large marshmallows, melted butter, and a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.

 



 

The marshmallow represents Christ's body.

Dip the marshmallow in the melted butter. 

 

Roll the marshmallow in the cinnamon and sugar mixture.

These represent the oils and spices used to anoint Christ's body.

 

 

Take a marshmallow snack break!

 

 

 Take one triangle section of crescent roll dough.

This represents the tomb.

Wrap the dough around marshmallow, sealing the seams well.

  

 

 Bake according to crescent roll package directions.

 

 

After baking, the resurrection rolls should look like this...

 

 

 ...and not this. If rolls aren't sealed well, you've got a sticky mess!

And then you have to explain  Jesus really did not melt...



 

After cooling, break open the tomb. Christ is risen!

Eat the rolls (they taste like cinnamon rolls), and celebrate God's amazing love!

 

 



What are some of your Easter traditions?