Hello everyone! 

Easter is coming up and (again) we are not able to gather in person to celebrate it. I don’t know how you feel about it, maybe you are tired, worried, maybe you have adapted to the situation, maybe you cannot stand being constantly reminded of what is happening to this world at the moment. If you are anything like me then you are probably feeling a mix of constantly changing emotions. And now there is Easter as well… How do you feel about that? Have you made and changed your plans for celebrating this year? Are you frustrated, excited or just not thinking about it at all? 

Whatever you feel, maybe I can use this format to come alongside you and your family to share some thoughts and practical ideas to celebrate this year’s Easter.

The “Why”

While Jesus’ life, death and resurrection are always timely, there is something about our current circumstances that has made it especially important to me. Being confronted with isolation, suffering and uncertainty more than I was used to, I have found that the message of triumph, of reconciliation with God and of the never-changing hope we have in Jesus has grown more precious to me. This upcoming celebration shouts “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, death, is your victory? Where, death, is your sting?” (1.Corinthians 15:54-55)

The hope of the gospel, the good news of Jesus, is something that is true for you, for me and for every member of your family, including the kids. 

I hope that the following ideas can help enrich and add to your family Easter. 

The “How”

Here are some practical ideas to celebrate Easter together.

1. On Good Friday our church will take communion together. This might be a good option to talk about the cross and why we remember the “body” and the “blood” of Jesus. No need for well-prepared theological debates here, just help your kids make a connection between the food and the symbolism in it 🙂   If your kids have been following along the last weeks’ online stories and activities this would be a great opportunity to help them understand the context of (especially the first) communion. We heard about the Exodus, about how God protected his people and about the sacrificial blood on the doorposts. We talked about the role of bread and wine in the celebration of the passover. If you want to, you can explore these connections with your children: Talk about how Jesus celebrated the passover and what it meant to him. Then talk about communion and what that means for us now. 
2. Read through the story of the crucifixion and resurrection with your kids. You could use an activity like this one https://sugarspiceandglitter.com/resurrection-rolls/ to make it more fun and illustrative. There are plenty of free resources online if you want some inspiration or help. This year’s “celebration kits” include a baking activity that relates to the story of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection.
3. Make Easter a joyful celebration! Whatever traditions you have (colouring eggs etc.), do and enjoy them together! Celebrate that Jesus is alive! There will be a craft for the kids that connects to the content of our easter service, so if you have the chance to watch the service as a family, that’s awesome!

One more thing… These are all merely ideas and suggestions, not a ToDo list. You know your family and your children better than I do, so use whatever seems helpful! 

I usually end my blogpost to the kids with “I miss you and I hope to see you soon”. This is just as true for you. I miss you and I do hope to see you soon. 

Until then: He IS risen and that is a reason to celebrate!

🙋🏼‍♀️  Judith

Some additional links and materials:

(I am not responsible for the linked content, in case there’s something weird just let me know)

The bible app for kids https://www.bible.com/kids 

Bible stories retold for kids https://www.biblestoryteller.co.uk/index.asp

Superbook video series, adventures around the bible stories https://us-en.superbook.cbn.com/episodes, (there are also story related games on the website)

Generally, I would highly recommend Pinterest for all sorts of illustrations and craft ideas 🙂