Sharing the Greatest Story

Easter Sunday arrives at the end of this month. What are your childhood memories about this holiday?

As young children, my sister and I always sported matching Easter dresses, lovingly hand-made by our mother. We also wore white gloves, black patent leather shoes, and frilly hats. In the afternoon we hunted eggs in the back yard of our church. In later years our family attended the sunrise service at the downtown Methodist church and enjoyed breakfast at Shoney’s afterwards.

I also have scattered memories of Easter lilies, baby chicks, flowering crosses, meaningful Easter hymns, a foot washing at my grandmother’s church, and Maundy Thursday communion services.

As a Sunday school teacher for elementary children, my sister prepares “resurrection rolls” every year as she explains the symbolism and the true meaning of Easter. The discovery of the “empty tomb” leaves a lasting impression on her students.

Along with your own treasured Easter traditions and memories, teaching the true meaning of Easter to the children in your life is the most important way to celebrate the season. Connecting with children through picture books can help embed  Biblical truths they can hold in their hearts and pass down to future generations.

Crystal Bowman has some wonderful suggestions in her recent blog “Easter Books for Kids.”

These suggestions include teaching children how to draw closer to God through prayer and scripture as well as fun activity sheets and coloring pages.

Journey with Jesus, written by Ann Ingalls and illustrated by Steliyana Doneva, is a beautiful new picture book that highlights the events of Holy Week. “From the joy of Palm Sunday to the love and mystery of the Last Supper, from the sorrow of the Garden of Gethsemene to the triumph of the empty Garden Tomb, young readers are invited to journey with Jesus all the way to Easter, and experience His great love for each one of us.”  (back cover)

“Then Jesus got some cloth to cleanse
The dusty feet of His dear friends.
‘A new command I give to you:
Love each other as I love you.’”

What better way to teach our children than by sharing the example Christ has set before us!

In The Dance of Easter, author Sally Cressman and illustrator Angela Edmonds celebrate the resurrection of Jesus by depicting all God’s creatures dancing to the news that He is alive! Children will be caught up in the excitement as they read about the events of that first glorious Easter morning.

“Two angels in white then appeared on the stone, surprising the women, but making this known”:

Both of these books provide a simple way to reach a spiritual connection with children and teach them the true message of Easter.

I don’t think we had many Easter books when I was a child (maybe a Little Golden Book or two), but I do remember scripture lessons being taught by my parents and my Sunday school teachers. I remember images that depicted the Garden of Gethsemene and the empty tomb. My parents and my pastor and my Sunday school teachers reached out to me with open arms and taught me lessons I have carried for a lifetime.

These lessons are even more important in a world where social media and technology and other priorities consume our time.

A plethora of children’s Easter books are available in today’s market. Why not think about adding one or two to this year’s Easter basket?

You might also consider teaching your children about the symbolism of the Easter Lily. This article from Southern Living appeals to one particular English teacher’s heart and offers a great opportunity to discuss the meaning of these beautiful flowers.

Let’s not make this Easter season all about bunnies and candy eggs. Let’s make Sunday school and church worship a weekly priority, not just an activity for special occasions. Reaching out with those spiritual connections can teach children the true meaning of the Man who gave His own life so that they might live eternally.

We all must find our own way; but when we have been given that Biblical foundation, even if we stray, we have a place to call home. We can recall those treasured teachings from the books we read as children, from the Sunday school lessons and the sermons we heard, and from the significant others in our lives who took the time to connect with us and share the love of God.

“Thank you for the Bible, Lord. It is a gift from You, filled with wisdom, truth and hope, and daring stories too. Every word is good and true and meant to grow my heart, reminding me that You, dear Lord, have loved me from the start.”—My Tender Heart Prayer Book by Laura Sassi

“My Bible says that God is good. His love will never end. My Bible says God sent his Son. Jesus is my best friend.”—My Bible Says by Marjorie Redford

“Easter opened up a crack in a universe winding down toward entropy and decay, sealing the promise that someday God will enlarge the miracle of Easter to cosmic scale.”—Philip Yancey

Matthew 28:6; Proverbs 22:6; John 11:25; Romans 5:8; John 3:16; Song of Solomon 2:1; Hosea 14:5