Easter is a fun time for kids, a time they enjoy coloring and decorating eggs and eating Easter candy amongst other things. But the truth is, Easter is about so much for than just Easter baskets of candy and cute bunnies! Helping children understand the true meaning of Easter is important, and something that doesn’t have to be complicated to do. Look below at 7 ways to help children understand the true meaning of Easter, so you can better prepare them to celebrate the holiday and understand all the special blessings it brings with it!
1. Find a family friendly presentation of the passion.
See if a local church, school, or even movie channel is featuring a family friendly version of The Passion. This is the story of Jesus’s last days, and typically features the last supper as well as his death on the cross. While this can often be a scary subject, there are tastefully done presentations your family can enjoy.
2. Read scripture together.
Head to the Bible where scripture is waiting to be enjoyed! Read about the last supper, Jesus’s final days with his disciples, and his death and resurrection. Scripture can be confusing for kids, so take the time to answer any questions they may have. I also suggest different Bibles based on the child's age.
3. Attend church services as a family.
Now is the time to attend local church services as a family and prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Christ! Attend services and listen to the word of God while you participate in various church activities to help you prepare for Easter.
4. Braid palms.
On Palm Sunday, most churches pass out palms to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Christ. Take the time to talk about the meaning of the palms and why we celebrate Palm Sunday, then braid or craft your palms into a cross, if you wish.
5. Pray as a family.
Take the time each night to pray as a family and prepare for the celebration of the resurrection. Now is a good time to pray for others who may be hurting and in need of our kindness. You can create a list of people you wish to pray for, or even a prayer jar to keep those names in.
6. Raise an Easter lily.
Many churches fill the alters with Easter lilies during the Easter season, as a sign of peace and hope. Talk about the meaning of the Easter lily, and head to the store to buy one of your own. Take care of it as a family.
7. Find family friendly Easter books.
Take the time to read family friendly Easter books that talk about the true meaning of Easter. Pick some religious Easter books up on Amazon or head to your local library where all sorts of fiction and non fiction options await you. These are a great way to explore with your kids in the days leading up to Easter.
As you can see, there are many family friendly ways to keep the true meaning of Easter in mind. As Easter draws near, consider these activities and see how they can help your family better understand and celebrate the holiday.
Rebecca says
Not many people share with their children the true meaning of Easter and seeing your article is a breath of fresh air! Thank you for making my day!