April 2010

Each spring, we see reminders of new life and rebirth. Trees bud, flowers bloom, and butterflies emerge from their cocoons. For Christians, the most important celebration of new life is Jesus’ death and resurrection at Easter. Children may associate this holiday mainly with bunnies, baskets, and candy. So it’s important to share with them the real reason we rejoice: the empty tomb.

Use these creative ideas to share the Easter message with children of all ages. Let them know that Jesus, our loving Savior, died and rose again so we can go to heaven and be with him forever.

Palm Sunday—Make “praise shakers” to celebrate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Decorate the bottoms of paper plates, fill them with beads or unpopped popcorn, and then staple together the edges. Add streamers and then have a parade. Shout out praises to Jesus and make noise to celebrate that he is our King.

Good Friday—Buy a small vine wreath at a craft store and insert toothpicks to resemble the crown of thorns Jesus wore. Whenever a family member makes a sacrifice for someone else, they should remove one thorn. On the night before Easter, after your children are asleep, remove the remaining thorns and decorate the crown with white ribbons and bright flowers.

Easter Sunday—Using a stamp pad and colored pencils, make thumbprint pictures that tell the Easter story. For example, draw a tomb with a rolled-away thumbprint rock and a butterfly with thumbprint wings.

To read the entire Parent Link for this month, click here.