It’s easy for Christians to get drawn into debate about how we should celebrate holy days like Easter… or even what Christians actually should call the day. Is saying ‘Happy Resurrection Sunday’ somehow better or more reverent than saying ‘Happy Easter’? One thing we can, or at least should, all agree on is the day is about Christ and the life we have in Him. Therefore, whatever we do should be done in a way that honors Him, Christ, as the reason.
Possibly the most striking thing that homeschooling has illuminated for me is our tendency as a culture to separate church life from the rest of life. For most, there’s Sunday school & then just school. We have our in church celebrations for Christmas and Easter but the festivities that extend into our homes tend to be separate celebrations of gluttony and consumerism not reflections our voiced beliefs. For that reason, some Christians completely avoid Easter egg hunts and baskets. Each of us must make our own decisions on this front.
Whatever you choose, do it intentionally with a heart postured toward the sacrifice made on the cross and the joy of the resurrection. This is our tradition. One that over the years has grown with our kids and allowed for the joy of being out in God’s creation having fun together with the family He’s blessed us to have while centering that fun on THE REASON.
Easter Egg Hunt or Not?
I first became a mother 15 years ago when these arguments weren’t being had openly. Looking back, I can see the Holy Spirit graciously guiding me even when I wasn’t faithfully seeking guidance. Our Easter tradition is one that I was initially proud of but in hindsight see clearly wasn’t my direct doing, it was one of those gracious nudges.
The nudge was to keep the holy day fun but still holy. We have made our own tradition of hunting for eggs but in a way that elevates Jesus and the resurrection instead of a bunny and candy. I place Bible verses that spell out the story of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection into the eggs, my husband and I hide them (hard for the older ones), the kids enjoy finding them and then we sit together and read in order the verses they found. I can’t remember the exact year I started this but I do know my youngest was still very little.
The Fun of a simple and Focused Tradition
This doesn’t have to be fancy. I first started this by breaking out a sharpie and writing the verses on colored construction paper, accordion folding the strips and placing them in eggs. You can do this for free on your own, I’ll list the verses for you below. Or, you can simply print and go with this already made pretty PDF. I took care to type the verses and connect them each with a design that matches the scripture.
You might be thinking, no eggs full of candy? My kids will complain! I have done this for years upon years now and there are no complaints. I don’t want to mislead you, we add some loose change to a few of the eggs and they do get a basket usually “filled” with one chocolate and a either a book or t-shirt but it is very minimal at least for today’s standards.
For us, the fun is in the tradition. And, there is so much to be gained by a truly simple one. The obvious reason is remembrance and elevation of the real purpose of the day and celebration, Jesus. Outside of that, lower expectations equate to higher gratitude.
I’m tired of the fluff and “stuff.” It is my opinion that kids need less, period. If we continue gift them into oblivion we’re not helping them appreciated the true joys in life like togetherness, each other and God’s creation.
Re-create this Tradition in your home
Instructions:
- Print the PDF (3 separate pages) or write the verses listed below
- If you are writing the verses yourself, number them in order: 1-16
- Cut each verse into its own individual strip.
- Accordion fold or roll strips and place each one in an egg.
- Hide & hunt
- Each child opens their eggs & finds their verses.
- Take turns reading the verses they each have in order & remembering the reason for this Holy Day.
Verses:
- Isaiah 53:5 (prophesy)
- Matthew 21:7-9
- Matthew 26:14-16
- Matthew 26:18
- Matthew 26:36
- Matthew 26:39
- Matthew 27:1-2
- John 19:6
- Matthew 27:30-31
- Matthew 27:45-46
- Luke 23:46
- Matthew 27:57-58 & Mark 15:46
- Luke 24:1-6
- Matthew 28:8-10
- John 8:12 (reminder of what we must do – walk with Jesus)
- 1 Peter 1:3 (reminder of the impact Christ’s resurrection has on us)
Our family hopes that you find joy in this tradition but most of all the source of true joy and peace – Jesus.
Rita
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