Christ-Centered Easter Activities

Resurrection Day is quickly approaching and it’s by far my most favorite time of year next to Christmas.

Today I want to share with you various ideas to help you shepherd your child to Christ during this glorious season.

When my boys were young tots I wanted to make sure their eyes were on Christ at Easter and not on the bunny.  I have nothing against bunnies, in fact, I think they are quite cute, but I never found our furry, four-legged friend to have any spiritual value during the Easter season.  Peter Cottontail can’t minister to me and soothe my soul and he’s not able to soothe my kids souls as they grow older and deal with the harsh reality of this world.  And being that we’re in a spiritual battle, a sweet little bunny can’t protect my boys from the Enemy either!  So that’s why I didn’t embrace the rabbit.

Now in case you’re wondering if I screwed up my kids because their mother is a Jesus Freak, I can honestly tell you that today as my boys are ages 11 and 13, they have never felt jilted as a result of the exclusion of good old Peter Rabbit.

Here’s what I did instead to celebration the Resurrection of our Lord. I incorporated Christ-centered activities into our home; activities that were hands-on, practical, and easy for the whole family!  I have listed several of them for you so you can pick and choose based on your available time and budget.

As a mama, one thing I have never regretted is teaching my boys more about Jesus than any other subject matter.  I know one day my boys will be out of my house and they will have to stand alone in their faith.  My heart’s prayer for them is 3 John 1:4,  “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”  This is what I want most for my children!

I pray these activities will help you to shepherd your children to Jesus Christ!

Resurrection Eggs

Over the years we have used Resurrection Eggs from Family Life.  We found them years ago at a local Christian bookstore.  You can even find them now at Wal-Mart or make your own.  They are a great teaching tool of the Easter story.

Resurrection Cookies

When I first learned about this activity I was instantly in love.  Wow, such deep and meaningful significance behind each ingredient.  This, too, is a powerful teaching tool for all ages.

Ingredients:

You need: 1c. whole pecans, 1 tsp. vinegar, 3 egg whites,
pinch salt, 1c. sugar, zipper baggie, wooden spoon, tape, Bible.

Preheat oven to 300 BEFORE BEGINNING

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 to give us 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, and the bitterness of our own sin.
Read Luke 23:27.

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing.

Add 1 c. sugar.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know this and how to belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 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 Matt. 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. If you have any army men, put them by the oven to act like the Roman soldier.
Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. Read Matt.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 and 22.

The next morning open the oven and give everyone a cookie.

Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow!

On the first Easter Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty! Read Matt. 28:1-9

Resurrection Rolls

Another favorite.  And this one is delicious as well!

Ingredients:

1 pkg. crescent rolls

Large marshmallows (1 per child)

Melted butter

Cinnamon sugar

Give each child one marshmallow. The marshmallow represents Jesus.

Dip the marshmallow in butter and then in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This represents the anointing oils and burial spices.

Wrap the marshmallow up in one triangle of dough. This represents the tomb.

Cook according to package.

When you take a bite, you’ll notice that the marshmallow is gone.  Jesus is risen!

Lamb of God Easter Baskets

My children would make these baskets then use them to collect the Resurrection Eggs.  It was always fun to watch them search for the eggs and then squeal with delight when they found one.  (This is a picture of my friend’s daughter from many years ago!)

Supplies needed:

1 Gallon empty plastic milk container (1 container per child)

Large cotton balls

White glue

Googly eyes

Black construction paper for lamb ears and a lamb nose

Take an empty plastic milk jug and cut the top of.  Keep the handle attached because that is how your child will hold their Lamb of God basket.

Cover the plastic container with white glue (painting on watered-down glue is best for little ones!)

Place cotton balls all around the container. This is the lamb’s wool so you’ll want to cover the container real well.

Cut out lamb ears and a nose and glue on to cotton.

Add eyes.

Now you should have an adorable little lamb basket!

Jesus is the Lamb of God Cupcakes

I found this one on Pinterest last year and I made them with my boys.  I think I had more fun than they did! 🙂  (Must be because they’re getting older now.)  You can find the recipe here.

Crown of Thorns Snack

Love, love, love this!

You can find the ingredients and instructions to make these right here.

Marshmallow Lambs

I think these are adorable!

You can find the ingredients and instructions to make these here.

Paper Plate Tomb Craft

For the non-sweets people, this one is for you!

Paper craft instructions, here.

Live a poured out life for Christ,

Jolene Engle

 

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