| Celebrating Passion Week THE TRUE MEANING OF EASTER by Pastor Greg Wilson As a Bible-believing Christian, I stake my all upon the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without it I would be, as the apostle notes: "of all men most miserable" (1 Cor. 15:19). I cannot understand why some make claim to Christianity, and yet deny the very cornerstone of the Christian faith; i. e., the literal, bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ.For Christ and His resurrection I have everything, and to it, I owe everything. But for the pagan festival of Easter, I have nothing but contempt! One need not be a scholar or spend countless hours in research to ascertain that this holiday is a thoroughly pagan ritual. It has no connection to Biblical Christianity. A true child of God ought not observe it in any positive way. Until this century, no Baptist, and many protestants would have nothing to do with it. Baptists, and some protestants were persecuted for their refusal to join in its festivities. Under the definition for Easter in Webster's Dictionary (College Edition) one finds: "originally the name of pagan vernal festival . . . Eastre, dawn goddess." Further reading in an encyclopedia, or most books on the holidays will identify this Eastre with the pagan goddess known variously as Eostre, Ishtar, Semeramis, and Astarte. This is the same Babylonian "Queen of Heaven," whose worship is condemned in the Word of God (see Jeremiah Chapters 7 and 44). The trappings of the modern Easter, and its associated days are all pagan in origin. Lent is not found in the Bible as a Christian holiday. It is rather borrowed from the 40 days of mourning for Tammuz, the lover/ husband/son of Astarte. God's Word condemns its observance in Ezekiel 8:14. There is absolutely no Biblical authority for such days as Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, or Maundy Thursday. "Good Friday" is the most bizarre of them all. Any grade school child can see that the Lord could not have died and been buried late Friday, spent three days and three nights in the tomb (Matt. 12:40) and risen again Sunday morning! The word Easter is mentioned but once in the Authorized (KJV) Version of Scripture (Acts 12:4). There it is being observed by the pagan King Herod not by any Christian. Some who know the pagan origin of Easter seek to justify its observance by calling it "Resurrection Sunday" rather than by its proper heathen name. This, however, only succeeds in dishonoring all the other Sundays of the year. Truthfully, for the Christian, every Sunday should be resurrection Sunday! The impact of the resurrection alone can adequately explain why the disciples, who had observed a Saturday Sabbath all their lives, began meeting for worship on the First Day of the week, as we see them doing in Scripture. Dear Christian, heed God's admonition found in Jeremiah 10:2: "Learn not the way of the heathen . . ." Available as a printed tract from: Landmark Independent Baptist Church P.O. Box 847 Archer, FL 32618-0847 Oh of course there are some who insist it is pagan to celebrate Easter or use Easter symbols. I say God made bunnies and eggs not some pagan fertility goddess, and I see no harm in using these ordinary objects to share with my children the story of Calvary. I do use the terms “Passion Week”, “Passover” and “Resurrection Sunday” and tend to stay away from “Easter”, I do use the symbols to illustrate the Biblical truth surrounding the death and resurrection of Christ. It’s not the bunny or the eggs that are unholy, it was the pagan ritual that went along with it. If your kids are old enough to understand then explain it to them, but mine are young and I don’t want to try to explain why the church got involved with a pagan ritual in the first place. I know it was for the sake of evangelism, but I will wait until they are older to try to explain the whole thing. For the time being its fuzzy bunnies and colored eggs, God made them, and kids love them, and if I can find Biblical truth to illustrate with them, I’ll use the good stuff and discard the rest! Symbols Here is a list of Easter symbols and what they can symbolize for Christians. Easter eggs & baby chicks- Eggs and chicks symbolize new life. Easter bunny- The rabbit, or hare, was a symbol of abundant new life in ancient times, and reminds us of spring and new life. Easter Lilies- The white blossoms symbolize the purity of Jesus. Lilies, emerging from the earth in the spring, also symbolize new life and the resurrection of Christ. All About Easter Lilies. The lamb - Represents Jesus, "the Lamb of God". The cross - Symbolizes Jesus' victory over death. Palm branches- Represents when Jesus arrived in Jerusalem on the first Palm Sunday and people waved palm branches, welcoming him. Easter hats & wearing new clothes for Easter- Symbolizes new life offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Hot Cross Buns- Hot cross buns have a cross of icing on the top to remind people of Christ. Candles - Symbolize Jesus, "the light of the world". Pretzels - A food eaten during Lent- the twisted shaped symbolizes arms crossed in prayer. Easter & Spring flowers- Daffodils and tulips bloom in the spring, and new life. Baby animals- Baby animals born in the spring also represent spring and new life. Sweet Treats Resurrection Cookies ________________________________________ The following recipe is making its rounds on the Internet as a freely-reproducible file. If you find it a useful visual aid for communicating the message of the resurrection to children, please pass it on! Ingredients: 1 c. whole pecans 1 tsp. vinegar 3 egg whites pinch salt 1 c. sugar You will also need: Bible re-sealable baggie wooden spoon mixing bowl electic mixer cookie sheet waxed paper tape Directions: • Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. • Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3. • Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30. • Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life so that we could have life. Read John 10:10-11. • Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers. Read Luke 23:27. • So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16. • Beat with a mixer on high speed for several minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3. • Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60. • Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66. • GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20-22. • On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! Explain how the tomb was empty in the morning because Christ had risen from the dead! Read Matthew 28:1-9. Resurrection Buns ________________________________________ Thanks to D. Emerson for sharing this recipe! Ingredients: frozen bread dough one bag marshmallows cinnamon-sugar mixture butter (melted) Directions: • Preheat oven to 325. • Take bread dough (thawed in fridge) and cut into squares about 1/4 in thick. • Take 1 marshmallow and place it in the center of the dough. Now "fold" the dough around the marshmallow. • Dip the ball of dough in the melted butter and then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until covered. • Place on cookie sheet and bake at 325 for about 10-15 min. or until golden brown. Jelly Bean Prayer Red is for the blood He shed. When we see white, we see His light. Yellow is radiance, our bright and shining Son. Purple is for kings; Jesus is the One. We see life in the color green. Black is for sin only Jesus can clean. A great thing to do is make cellophane carrots and place the jelly beans inside, typing out the poem on hang tags and placing them on the carrots. You will need: orange cellophane (or any spring colors will do) green Easter grass scotch tape rubber bands raffia poem typed out on hang tags string (a golden thread works well) Instructions: Take 6 1/2 by 6 1/2 pieces of orange cellophane rolling them up from one corner to another making a point and elongating it until it is "carrot shape". Tape with clear scotch tape along the side. Fill with jellybeans but leave a little room for the "carrot top". Take a clump (about the size of a golf ball) of green Easter grass and place in the open end with most of it hanging out. Take a rubber band and secure the grass into place. Garnish with several strands of raffia tied in a bow around the rubber band leaving several pieces hanging down. Tie the poem on the carrot with string. These are great to put in treat baskets or to give to someone as a witness tool. Cross Cake 1 yellow or white cake mix,1 can white frosting, 1 can white decorator icing marshmallows – small and regular size, regular and colored,colored sugar crystals decorator candies. Make and bake cake 9 x 13 cake. Cut the cake in half lengthwise. Place half the cake in the center of a serving tray. Cut the other half into two pieces and place one either side of the whole long piece to form the cross shape. Frost cake. Use icing, sliced marshmallows, decorator sugars and candies to decorate the cake with a spring flower pattern. Cake can be sprinkled with coconut before decorating if desired. Your creativity is your only limit. Marshmallow flowers: Slice marshmallows into petals with clean scissors. Press the cut side in sugars if desired to add color. Place 5 petals together in a circle to form flower. Use dot of frosting or candy piece for the center of the flower. Single petals dipped in green become leaves. Baskets of Meaning Bring this basket of Easter goodies to church with you for a "sweet" object lesson that kids will love! Weave the gospel message into your lesson as you tell what each object represents: Easter grass—hay in the manger for baby Jesus; Bag of gold- or silver-covered chocolate coins—betrayal of Jesus by Judas; Chocolate rooster—Peter's three-time denial of Jesus; Easter basket—woven together like a crown of thorns; Hollow plastic egg that opens up—the empty tomb; Marshmallow chicks, bunnies—new life and new birth; and Chocolate foil-covered Easter eggs—the shiny streets of gold in heaven where Jesus is. End by sharing your Easter basket goodies with children. Encourage kids to share the good news of Easter with someone they know. Craft Ideas As a family, choose a few craft projects that emphasis the meaning of Holy Week. Do an Internet search or check out books from the library for ideas. Use your completed projects to decorate your home for your family celebration. Jesse Tree Take a barren branch (a willow tree is good). This is adapted from an old German tradition. Cut out crosses, eggs, flowers, butterflies, any shape you want (from poster board or construction paper) that represents new birth. Heart Hands Talk about how Jesus died on the cross for us, how His sacrifice (his blood) made an atonement (paid for) our sins. He did this because he loved us so much. Paint the child’s hands red. Have the children press one hand at a time on paper, overlapping the palms, making a heart shape with their hands. Paper Mache Eggs You will need: paper mache paste, balloons, tape, 1-inch pieces newspaper, newsprint or paper toweling, pie tin, paint brushes, colored tissue paper, shellac (optional) Paper mache paste recipe includes 1 cup water, 1/4 cup flour until thin and runny. Stir into 5 cups boiling water and boil for 2-3 minutes. Cool until you can dip paper into mixture without burning yourself. Directions: Blow up a balloon and tape to a table. Dip strips of newspaper into mache paste and place carefully on balloon. Continue overlapping pieces of newspaper on balloon. Cover balloon completely and let dry overnight. Decorate the dried ballon with paint or colored tissue in pretty colors. Finish with shellac for a shiny, glazed effect. Easter Diorama Using clay or papier mache, construct a tomb and a stone. Create a scene, as simple or elaborate as you wish, of Jesus' burial site. Make or look through the toybox for plastic figures to represent Jesus and the guards. Wrap Jesus in a shroud (gauze from the medicine cabinet is perfect), place him in the tomb on Friday. Roll the stone in front of the opening of the tomb, using appropriate vocalizations to show how heavy it is. Now station the guards in front. No one is to touch the stone, although with the children's help, the guards may march back and forth to stretch their legs. On Sunday morning the children should find that during the night the stone was rolled away. The guards are lying outside the tomb, the gauzy shroud is inside, but Jesus is gone! Read whichever Biblical account fits your children's ages or attention spans -- some gospels have more information than others. Then "discover" the Jesus figure nearby. Now the words have meaning: "He is risen!" "He is risen indeed!" Living Basket Make this craft about one or two weeks before Resurrection Sunday. Then fill it with treats! You'll Need: Cardboard milk carton, Poster board or card stock paper, construction paper, stapler, potting soil, grass seed, plastic wrap. Cut and decorate a half gallon Milk carton with construction paper or acrylic paint. Make a handle with poster board and a stapler. Fill your container with potting soil and sprinkle on an ample amount of grass seed - Rye seed is the fastest. Water and cover with plastic wrap, or put in a large baggie. Let the basket sit in the sun, wait only a few days for grass to sprout, remove baggie, and add plastic eggs filled with goodies, or other wrapped candies. These baskets last a VERY long time and can be planted in the garden on Pentecost. To avoid over watering, use a spray bottle to mist. The seeds must be kept moist but not soaked. Decorating Eggs Put a spiritual twist on the tradition of decorating eggs. Before dying the hard-boiled eggs, use crayons to write an message on each egg. Because the crayon wax keeps the dye from adhering in those spots, your "Jesus is Risen" and "Jesus Died for You" messages will show through clearly. Spring Cross Many churches make crosses by attaching real flowers in some fashion to a wooden cross to symbolize the new life brought to us through Jesus’ death. Make your own family cross by cutting out a large cross from brown construction paper. Let the children use construction paper, markers, crayons and paint to create flowers to decorate it. Matzo Cover Design and decorate a special Matzo cover with your child to use for your Passover Seder. Verybestfriends.com has a great pattern and directions. Resurrection Eggs Many of you have seen the plastic “Resurrection Eggs” that are used to tell the story of the Christian Easter celebration. Did you know that these can easily, and frugally, be made at home? First, purchase 12 plastic Easter eggs, the kind that you can open and fill. I recommend the size that can fit in a Styrofoam or cardboard egg carton. You can reuse one that you bring home eggs in from the grocery. This makes for easy storage so that you can use these many times without losing any of the bits and pieces. If possible, try and have each of the 12 eggs a different color. This makes it easier as well. If having 12 different colors isn’t an option, use a permanent marker to write the number 1 through 12 on each egg and then put them in the egg carton. Into each egg place the item and scripture reference written on a small piece of paper. Egg #1: Message -- Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. The people waved palm branches. Passage -- Matthew 21:1-11 Item -- Piece of palm branch. Another option for those of you with extra leggo parts or plastic novelty beads would be to place a small plastic leaf in the egg Egg #2: Message -- Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus' feet. Passage -- John 12:2-8 Item -- Small perfume sample or cloth with perfume or a piece of cotton with cologne on it Egg #3: Message -- Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples. Passage -- Matthew 26:17-19 Item – a piece of Chex cereal; or take clay and make a small bread-like shape Egg #4: Message -- Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Passage -- Matthew 27:3 Item -- 3 dimes or plastic “silver” money Egg #5: Message -- Jesus carried His own cross. Passage -- John 19:17 Item – toothpicks or Popsicle stick cut and glued in a cross form; or, a small plastic cross from a Christmas ornament or necklace. Egg #6: Message -- Soldiers placed a crown of thorns on Jesus' head. Passage -- John 19:2 Item -- Small thorny branch, or a large thorn all by itself. Egg #7: Message -- Soldiers parted Jesus' garments and cast lots for His coat. Passage -- John 19:23 Item -- Swatch of burlap and a nail. I’ve also seen miniature dice used for this one. Egg #8: Message -- Jesus was nailed to a cross and pierced in His side. Passage -- John 19:18,37 & John 20:25-29 Item -- A nail Egg #9: Message -- They gave Jesus vinegar mixed with gall on a sponge to drink. Passage -- Matthew 27:34 Item -- A small sponge Egg #10: Message -- Spices to prepare Jesus for burial. Passage -- John 19:40 Item -- 7 or 8 whole cloves, or other whole spices Egg #11: Message -- The stone covering Jesus' tomb was rolled away. Passage -- John 20:1 Item -- A small rock Egg #12: Message -- The napkin around Jesus' head was lying separately from His linen clothers. He was not there. He has risen! Passage -- John 20:6-7 Item -- A scrap of linen-type fabric Note: I have seen these done slightly different, or using slightly different items. If you have to substitute and use different items, that’s OK. The point is to get the story across from the point that Jesus rides into Jerusalem riding on a donkey (now celebrated as Palm Sunday) to when it is discovered that is no longer in his tomb but has Risen (Easter Sunday, also known as Resurrection Day). Passover Lesson Grade level(s): 5th Author: Rebecca N. Smith ________________________________________ Background Information: Passover is a holiday celebrated in the Jewish religion. It begins in March or April, on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan. The Passover recalls the exodus of the Jews from slavery in ancient Egypt. It also celebrates springtime, a time of renewal and rebirth. Passover lasts seven to eight days, depending on where you live and how religious you are. The emphasis is on the first two days. Celebrations differ slightly depending on national and family customs. In general, all Jewish families follow the pattern in the Haggadah. The Haggadah is a book or program for the Passover ceremony, which tells the history of the Passover through prayers, stories, and songs. The traditional Haggadah is at least 1,000 years old. There are more than 3,000 editions of the Haggadah to choose from. The changes and additions to the traditional Haggadah reflect the history of the times and people. The Passover story begins over 3,000 years ago. The Jews lived in Egypt for many generations. The Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, became worried that the Jews would take over his people and his power. To avoid this, he made the Jews slaves and forced them to build Egyptian temples and cities. This occurred for many generations. Close to the end of the fourteenth century B.C., Moses, a leader of the Jews, asked the Pharaoh to free the Jews. The Pharaoh would not do so. Moses then told the Pharaoh that ten plagues would fall upon the Egyptian people if the Pharaoh would not cooperate. The Pharaoh would still not do so, and the plagues began. First, the water was turned to blood. Second, frogs covered the land. Third, the dust became lice and the air was filled with insects. Fourth, wild beasts frightened the Egyptians. Fifth, all the cattle, horses, and camels became sick with disease and died. Sixth, the Egyptians broke out in sores and boils on their skin. Seventh, fiery hail, thunder, and lightening fell from the skies, killing all living things that were left outdoors. Eighth, swarms of locusts destroyed the crops. Ninth, darkness spread over Egypt for three complete days. The final plague was that all of the firstborn children and animals in Egypt would die. The Jews were instructed by Moses to mark their doors with the blood of the paschal lamb which had been offered as a sacrifice. This would be a sign to the "Angel of Death" to pass over their homes. Hence the name for the celebration "Passover." When the tenth plague hit Egypt, the Pharaoh was devastated. It hit the Egyptians but passed over the Jews. The Pharaoh did not want anything further to happen, so he called for Moses and told him to leave with the Jews immediately. The Jews left quickly. The next day, the Pharaoh rethought his decision to free the Jews and sent soldiers to chase after them and return them to Egypt and slavery. The Jews had to escape, but the Red Sea was in the way. Suddenly the sea was parted, leaving two walls of water with dry land for them to walk in between. When the Egyptian army tried to follow, the walls of water came together again to form the Red Sea. The Jews were able to escape from the hands of the Egyptians. Passover is celebrated as a reminder of what the Jewish ancestors went through to obtain freedom. The night before the Passover begins, there is a ceremony for the children. During the Passover, people may only eat unleavened bread, to remind them that the Jews in ancient times had to flee from Egypt in such haste that there was not time to allow the bread to rise. The night before Passover begins, there is a "Search for Leaven." In a darkened house, everyone searches for bread and bread crumbs using flashlights or candles. They use a feather to sweep up the crumb, a wooden spoon to catch the crumb, and a paper bag to hold them. The next morning, they search again to assure that there is no bread in the house. Upon accomplishing this, the feather, spoon, and paper bag are burned. On the first day of Passover, the Seder occurs. This is a symbolic dinner where the story of the Passover is told. There are fourteen steps in the Seder, using the Haggadah as a guide: 1. Singing blessings over the first cup of wine. 2. Washing hands 3. Dipping a vegetable in salt water. 4. Breaking the middle Matzah and hiding the Afikoman. 5. Telling the Passover story, including asking the four questions, describing the four children, and drinking the second cup of wine. 6. Washing the hands before the meal. 7. Saying the blessings for Matzah. 8. Tasting the bitter herbs and dipping them in Haroset. 9. Eating a Matzah and bitter herb sandwich. 10. Enjoying the Festival meal. 11. Finding and eating the Afikoman. 12. Singing the blessings after the meal, drinking the third cup of wine, and opening the door for the prophet Elijah. 13. Singing Psalms of praise and drinking the fourth cup of wine. 14. Completing the Seder with traditional songs. The table is set very symbolically. It has a large plate in the center that holds some unusual foods, foods that are symbolic of the Passover story. There are two kinds of Maror (bitter herbs - horseradish and romaine lettuce), Haroset (an apple and nut mixture), Zeroah (a roasted bone), Baitzah (a roasted egg), and Karpas (fresh greens - usually parsley, celery, or lettuce). In addition to these foods on the plate, there are three matzot (plural for matzah) that are covered, a bowl of salt water, wine cups for everyone, as well as a big and beautiful wine cup for Elijah the Prophet. The four questions that a child asks in the telling of the Passover are: 1. Why is this night different from all other nights? (Because on other nights we eat matzah and bread, but on this night we eat only matzah.) 2. Why on all other nights do we eat many herbs and on this night only bitter herbs? (To recall the bitter lives of our ancestors, who were slaves in Egypt.) 3. Why on all other nights do we dip our food only once, and twice on this night? (It is our custom to dip on other nights. We dip a second time to remember that our ancestors dipped a leafy branch to smear lamb's blood on their doorposts.) 4. Why on all other nights do we sit up to eat, but recline on this night? (Because free people reclined in ancient times, and our ancestors became free on this night.) The four children are: 1. The wise child asks - "What are all the laws God has given you about Passover?" 2. The wicked child asks - "Why do you bother with this Seder?" 3. The innocent child asks - "What is this talking about?" 4. The child who does not know how to ask a question does not say anything. Instead the leader starts the discussion by saying "We celebrate Passover because of what God did for us when we left Egypt." The Seder is the highlight and focus of the Passover. It is a ceremonial feast during which the Passover story is retold, and family and friends again learn about the meaning of freedom. In the teaching of Passover, this is where much of the emphasis will be. Miscellaneous Ideas for Celebrating… Holy Week • Palm Sunday For an in-home celebration, read Mark 11:1-11 together. If you have a large family or a few friends, you can put together costumes and act out Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem. • Seeds Seeds offer a clear message to children of the power of new life. Rest some eggshell halves filled with soil in an egg carton. Plant a marigold, petunia or grapefruit seed in each (or even grass seed for fastest results). Place in a sunny window. • Art Museums The Passion of Christ is the most-portrayed subject of Western artists. If you live in a metropolitan area, a visit to your local art museum may give your family much to ponder. • Housecleaning Wednesday of Holy Week has been a traditional day in many countries for housecleaning -- from the Jewish custom of cleaning before Passover. • Passover Each year, more Christians are drawn to celebrate Passover, the feast commemorating the departure of the Israelites from slavery (Exodus 12). Jesus had come to Jerusalem to celebrate and was actually crucified on Passover Day. He is the fulfillment of this tradition, as our own Passover Lamb. • Foot Washing This Maundy Thursday event speaks volumes about Jesus' desire for us to serve. Read John 13. Wrap a towel around your waist, as Jesus did, and wash your children's feet. Your lives might never be the same. • Holy Week Services If your church does not celebrate Holy Week, attend Holy Week services at a church that does. Or celebrate each day as a family by reading passages of scripture that recount what each special day commemorates. • Easter Dramas and Cantatas Attend an Easter cantata presented by a church other than the one your family normally attends. This allows family members to experience a celebration of Easter that is different than that to which they are accustomed. Good Friday • Three Hours Observe Jesus' crucifixion by reading the Biblical account together. Sing old hymns of the crucifixion and the cross: "Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?", "The Old Rugged Cross", "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross." Most Catholic churches offer Stations of the Cross, fourteen plaques circling the interior walls which depict the final hours of Jesus' life. You may want to visit and contemplate these, one by one. • Hot Cross Buns Traditional Good Friday fare for the family to make and eat together on Saturday of Holy Week. • Jesus Watch Campus Crusade's beautifully-crafted evangelical movie, scripted only with words from the Gospel of Luke (order from 1-800-FL-TODAY). Resurrection Sunday • Easter Greeting Greet each other with "Alleluia, the Lord is risen!" And answer, "He is risen indeed!" • Sunrise Service Attend one offered by a church, or climb a hill with your family, worship together, and share a picnic breakfast. • Special music Listen together to Sandi Patti's moving "Was it a Morning Like This?" Listen again. Discuss how it must have felt to see our risen Lord. Was anyone who saw him ever the same? Jesus said those who believe without having seen are blessed (John 20:29). • New clothes New converts were traditionally baptized at Easter, wearing new white garments to symbolize their new life. If your family has new Easter outfits, share with your children where this tradition came from. • Service Projects Celebrate the Resurrection of Christ by doing the kinds of things Jesus came to earth to do. Extend God’s love to others by visiting the elderly and sick, gathering up clothing to take to a homeless shelter, or making and delivering food baskets to families in need. • Inviting others to Celebrate Share with non-believing relatives and friends what your family is doing for Passion week this year -- maybe next year they'll join in. links www.torahtots.com for great printables http://hometown.aol.com/funology1/passover.htm |
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