No matter what age, reinforcing the true meaning of Easter is one particular lesson that remains relevant during the Holy Week. Here are ways to show kids the importance of Easter.
Unfortunately, the Biblical story of Easter may be a little scary or intimidating for kids who only know of the Easter bunny. Children need to know that there is more to this time of the year than Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies, especially for those practicing Christians.
1. Focus on the resurrection
Kids should be taught how the resurrection is essential to one's salvation. Children should know that Christ rose from the grave because only He was the perfect Son of God.
Explain the importance of the resurrection of Christ and how it relates to Christianity. It also helps to explain that Easter represents the promise of a new life after our current one and the meaning and purpose of life on Earth.
2. Explain truths
The holy weekend also serves as a great time to teach children about the central themes of atonement, justification, imputation and redemption. Since Jesus completely obeyed the father, his perfect life has been credited to us by faith.
It will also help to discuss stories about sacrifices made in the Old Testament and why we are not able to atone for our own sins, according to Desiring God. In simpler terms, teach what it means to buy back something or redeem.
3. Give them reassurance
Jesus Christ's crucifixion is the central theme of Christianity and this sacrifice is commemorated during the Holy Week. Since the idea of Jesus' persecution and suffering may be scary at first, put an effort to explain that something great came out of his suffering.
In Christian belief, Jesus had to suffer so people would not have to deal with pain alone. Remind children that Jesus is still the man who taught us about love and heaven.
4. Bring back old traditions
Church time during Ash Wednesday, Holy Thursday and Good Friday as well as completing Stations of Cross at church or school are great traditions to do during the Holy Week. Kids can also recount old traditions such as eating sweet rolls with the symbol of the cross or dying eggs in red to symbolize the blood of Jesus, according to Today.
