Easter comes at springtime and some of our traditions at Easter are actually a part of the pagan springtime celebration. But that’s ok . . . we can use tangible things (bunnies, chicks, eggs) to help children understand intangible ideas.
The bunny stays in a rabbit hole in the ground all winter. When spring comes, the bunny comes out of his hole. We can relate this to Jesus being in the tomb for three days, but on Easter morning, He came out and is alive today.
Eggs remind us of new life. Coloring them reminds us of how beautiful our world is as the earth comes back to life again with new flowers and new leaves and grass. Relate this to Jesus coming back to life.
New chicks, bunnies, lambs, and ducks are also reminders of new life. Jesus gives us new life by what He did on the Cross for us.
One way to bring in the true meaning is to put Bible verses on the eggs you hide and then gather together to read them all. Some suggested verses are:
Revelation 21:5 Jesus makes all things new.
Galatians 2:20 Jesus Christ lives.
Matthew 28:6 Jesus is risen.
Song of Solomon 2:12 The flowers appear on the earth.
Another way is to make a cross out of twigs or craft sticks and keep it in a prominent place during the Easter season. Point out that it is empty because Jesus didn’t stay on the cross or in the tomb . . . He is alive!!
A great book to teach the real meaning of Easter is Easter Bunny, Are You For Real?
A song that children really love about the empty tomb is Hooray from Maranatha Music’s “Every Song a Bible Story”. It sums up the important message of the resurrection. Sing it often together during this season.
Make Easter a family time of worshiping together and thinking about the risen Lord. Read the Easter story together from the Gospels.
