As we begin Holy Week we provide you
with a slightly different format for faithful families.
Easter is a time to celebrate in a
huge way the message of life resurrected, of new life, of Jesus setting us
free. We encourage you to celebrate well, to use the resources available to
make Easter day special and memorable. To use symbols wisely and to help your
children understand why chocolate Easter eggs (egg: symbol of new life/half an
Easter egg is like an empty tomb). More importantly we invite you to tell the
story well. This email does not provide you with games or stories but with a
way of telling the story well in your household leading into this most special
of days.
Story
One of the
ways we might be faithful with our family is by telling the story of Easter
really well. This might include dressing up and acting out the story or using
some props as symbols to recall different events, it might include music and
action. You might like to set up some stations in your house on Friday or
Saturday and make signs with the days of the week, leave the different symbols
in the different locations.
Alternatively
you might like to read the various portions of scripture that recount the last
week of Jesus life leading up to Good Friday and East.
Here are some signposts for telling the story well in your
household.
Day:Sunday before
Easter
Jesus enters Jerusalem and people wave palm leaves to welcome
him like a king.
Reading: Matthew 21.1-9
Symbol: Palm Leaves:
Question: What does it feel like when you are a winner or a
champion? How do you think Jesus felt as he entered Jerusalem?
Day:Monday
Jesus turns the tables in the temple.
Reading: Matthew 21.12-17
Symbol: Whip made of cords.
Question: What things make you angry? Is it okay to be angry
sometimes? Why was Jesus angry?
Day:Wednesday
Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty silver coins.
Reading: Mark 14.10-11.
Symbol: Bag of Coins.
Question: What does it feel like when your friends let you down?
How do you think Jesus felt knowing Judas would betray him and his friends
would run away from him.
Day: Maundy Thursday
Jesus shares a meal with friends, washes their feet.
Reading: John 13.1-10, Matthew 26.17-30
Symbol: Bowl and Towel. Bread and Wine.
Question: What is special about eating with friends? What does
it mean to be a servant to your friends? Why do you think Jesus washed his disciples’
feet?
Day: Good Friday
Jesus dies on a cross.
Reading: Matthew 27.15-60
Symbol: Nails. Crown of Thorns. Cross. Hot Cross Buns.
Why is Friday called Good? (Reflect on childbirth…it is painful
yet the result is wonderful)
Day: Saturday
We wait. Jesus is in the tomb.
Symbol: Question mark.
What happens next? When have you had to wait to see how
something turned out? How do you think Jesus friends felt on Saturday?
Day: Sunday
Jesus is risen.
Reading: Mathew 28.1-10
Symbol: Easter egg. Broken in half looks like an empty tomb.
Question: What does Jesus risen mean to you?
We hope these resources are helpful. Have a
wonderful Easter,
Faithful Families wishes you and your family a
wonderful and inspirational Easter , celebrate well, tell the story well. Our
prayer for you and your family is that the truth of the Resurrection might fill
your lives with much joy.
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