“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (Romans 1:20, NIV).

Spring delivers a wide variety of messages to root our families in faith. Eggs and garden bulbs illustrate the resurrection story. Seasonal rains remind us of the Holy Spirit’s renewal. Shining over all creation’s sermons, the sun rises its highest to declare God’s power and glory.

Nature’s sensory illustrations link on the calendar with Holy Week’s worship activities. Since the mind retains stories, music, and experiences better than  sermons and lessons, we can engage our families at all three levels to make this Easter more memorable than ever.

Activities set to Easter-honoring music will help our families sprout healthy faith growth and deepen our spiritual roots. Creating fun projects together also enhances intimate bonds. Relationships bloom in the rich soil of play. We can share meaningful experiences with our kids and their friends this holiday season by planning scripture-honoring traditions.

Here are three ways to prepare for Easter to help you start memorable traditions with your family:

EGGStraordinary Hope Baskets

Eggs lay dormant in their nest-cradles until hatched into new life. The stone-like eggshell symbolizes a rock-hewn tomb like the one from which our Savior rose on Easter Sunday. When a chick hatches, new life emerges from what seemed dead.

Birds also weave a basket of loving care for their pre-born offspring. We can share the message of God’s prevenient grace and teach our kids about unconditional love. Our Father and Savior demonstrated hope for our souls by crafting a nest of redemption before we chose to accept his life-gift. Grace wraps us in the hope of salvation designed to draw us under God’s wings.

EGGstraordinary hope baskets provide lessons of love to share with others. Families can spread the blessings of Easter to those in need after crafting the baskets.

Materials:

• Baskets
• Paper straw-like fill
• Assorted egg-shaped candies
• Plastic eggs
• Chick-shaped cookies or candies
• Slips of paper with scriptures, prayers, and blessings
• Cardstock wing cut-outs
• Feathers
• Glue or hot glue (take appropriate safety precautions to prevent injury)

Music:

• Easter worship music, such as “He’s Alive” and “He Arose” and “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”
• Birdsong sounds

Steps:

1. Play worship music and share scriptures from Matthew 28 while crafting the baskets.
2. Glue feathers onto the cardstock wings. Allow the wings to set.
3. Fill plastic eggs with hope messages and small candies.
4. Glue the wings on the handles of the baskets and read Psalm 17:7-8. Allow the glue to set.
5. Create a “nest” of paper filler in each basket.
6. Arrange the candies, cookies, and eggs in the nest-filled baskets.
7. Deliver baskets as Easter blessings.

Divine Watering Cans

Rain baptizes the earth and quenches the winter-parched land with living water. We can discuss the lessons of baptism and Christ’s living water while decorating these “divine” watering tools.

Materials:

• Discount-store watering cans
• Stickers
• Labels printed with blessings and scriptures
• Optional water-resistant clear coating or clear adhesive film

Music:

• Baptism songs, such as “Come to the Water” and “The Blessing”
• Living water songs, such as “River of Life”

Steps:

1. Play worship music and read the verses in Luke 3, John 7:37-38, and Revelation 7:17 while decorating the watering cans.
2. Decorate the watering cans with stickers and labels.
3. Optional: Coat with water-resistant coating (by adult in ventilated area) or clear self-adhesive film.
4. Fill finished cans with water.
5. Sing together as you water plants in or around your home. Offer to water neighbors’ plants and provide Easter caroling to inspire faith.

Son-Shine Hats

Without the sun, life cannot exist. As the sun rises its highest this month, we can remain mindful of our dependence upon the ultimate source of life. Spring offers us an opportunity to open conversations about God’s powerful love and sovereignty. As families, we can shine the message of Christ as we wear these Son-shine hats.

Materials:

• Canvas caps or bucket hats from discount or hobby store
• Glow-in-the-dark fabric paint, other fabric paint colors
• Optional embellishments and glue

Music:

• Worship songs about light, such as “Light of the World” and “Here I Am to Worship” and “My Lighthouse”

Steps:

1. Play worship music and read Psalm 139:12, Isaiah 60, Matthew 5:14-16, John 1:1-5, and 2 Corinthians 4:6 while decorating the hats.
2. Paint inspiring symbols and/or messages onto the hats. Allow the paint to dry completely.
3. Optional: Add embellishments to the hats.
4. Set the hats in direct light to activate the glow-in-the-dark paint. Explain our need for regular exposure to the light of Christ through prayer and scripture study so we can shine as his representatives to others.

About Tina Yeager:

Publicity representative for Raising Christian Kids, Tina Yeager, LMHC also hosts the Flourish-Meant Podcast and Flourish Today radio show. Award-winning author and speaker, Yeager offers life coaching, purpose coaching, speaking, and more at tinayeager.com. Her books include Upcycled: Crafted for a Purpose and Beautiful Warrior: Finding Victory Over the Lies Formed Against You. 

Bonus: Easter Basket Gift Ideas from RCK

As we prepare to celebrate Easter, consider these gifts for the children in your life:

God’s Easter Miracles

In God’s Easter Miracles, the Sea Kids learn that Easter goes beyond bunnies and candy. It’s a time to reflect on the sacrificial love of Jesus, who gave up His life for our salvation. The children witness the power of prayer and the miracles that can happen when we open our hearts to God’s grace:

• Lenny heals from a boating accident.
• Paul, who has autism, learns giving is better than receiving.
• Jimmy prays to Jesus and asks Him into his heart.

As the children learn to emulate Jesus by sacrificing for others and embracing love and forgiveness, the true spirit of Easter shines through in this heartwarming tale.

Scripture Bear

Scripture Bear brings the Word of God to life in a fun and engaging way. This adorable talking bear is not just a toy – it’s a powerful tool to help children learn and memorize key Bible verses. In a world filled with distractions and noise, Scripture Bear provides a sweet child’s voice delivering eight different Bible verses in a sweet child’s voice. With just a touch of its paws and ears, children can immerse themselves in God’s Word. Scripture Bear becomes a faithful companion on a child’s spiritual journey, offering comfort and guidance as they grow in their faith.

Bible verses include:

• Psalm 145:9 – The Lord is good to all.
• Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
• Exodus 20:12 – Honor your father and mother.
• Matthew 22:39 – You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
• Psalm 118:6 – The Lord is with me – I will not be afraid.
• Psalm 55:16 – As for me, I will call on God, and the Lord will save me.
• John 4:7 – Let us love one another, for love is from God.
• Ephesians 4:32 – Be kind to one another.

These thoughtful and inspiring gifts will not only bring joy and wonder to their Easter baskets but will also sow the seeds of faith and love in their hearts. Let us remember the true meaning of Easter and pass on the gift of God’s love to the next generation. Happy Easter!

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