News For The Family of God

A Basketful of Reminders

For children one of the best parts of Easter is the basketful of treats. It is sometimes difficult for children to indulge in treats and not lose sight of the true meaning of this special day. Here are a few suggestions of things you can add to a child's basket to keep the truth alive.

Plastic Eggs

Use the plastic eggs for some powerful surprises. Place reminders such as a thorn or a nail inside one. When your child questions this unusual filler, use that opportunity to tell of the crown of thorns that was mockingly placed on Jesus' head and of the nails that pierced his hands and feet.

Chocolate Coins

Chocolate coins will help you to tell of Judas and his betrayal. Allow your child to talk about being betrayed.

Perhaps they have felt betrayed at some point in their lives. Discuss what it must have felt like for Jesus to know that someone he considered a friend turned away from him.

Chocolate Roosters

Chocolate roosters will remind children of Peter's denial. Use them to discuss how Peter must have felt when he heard the rooster crowing. How could he ever face Jesus again? And yet he did, and found forgiveness. Perhaps your child has something they need to ask Jesus to forgive them for.

Straw in the Basket

Even the straw in the basket is a reminder of Jesus and his humble beginnings. Jesus was born in a lowly stable, and now at Easter time he was fulfilling God's plan. Remember that he was born just like you and me, and that although he was special, he was a person with feelings just like us. The pain and humiliation of his death was all too real for Jesus.

To remind us of the most important part of the day, leave the largest plastic egg empty. Perhaps you might even want to make a big deal out of the giving of this special gift. When the child finds nothing inside, what a perfect opening to talk about the empty tomb. The women and disciples found nothing inside the tomb. They didn't understand at first, but later came to know the wonderful truth of Easter, THAT CHRIST HAD RISEN AND BEATEN DEATH FOR US ALL. That is truly the best gift of Easter.

Be creative. Use all the traditional Easter treats to tell the story of Christ and his victory for us all. It's a great way to keep the true meaning of the day alive for your family. It will make the candy and goodies all that much more sweet.

By Tracey Brown