Some Family Easter Traditions

“After more than seven hundred hours of studying this subject and thoroughly investigating its foundation, I have come to the conclusion that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the most wicked, vicious, heartless hoaxes ever foisted upon the minds of men, OR it is the most fantastic fact of history.” Right. So which is it?  Josh McDowell

Candles: like a Christmas Advent Wreath, but backwards.  Instead of lighting one candle, we light all of them as we read a portion of scripture, and then snuff a candle out at the conclusion of our family devo.  Symbolizing the dark time, and the darkness that came over the earth when Jesus died.  On Easter morning we will have them all lit.  For He has risen, the Light of the World.  We do this over the 7 days the week before Easter.  

Resurrection Tree:  Finding a dead branch that we can decorate, we make our own homemade ornaments.  All the ornaments have something to do with the symbols in the Passion week.  We talk about each ornament and display our beautifully broken and dead tree.  The dead branch symbolizes our state of being dead in sin, our broken relationship with God due to our fallen nature.  The Good News is that He brings us to Life, and has grafted us into the family of God (Romans 11:17-18). 

Resurrection Cookies:  On Saturday night we will make a batch of these cookies.  During the whole process of making the cookies you explain the story of The Cross by the ingredients being used.  Once placed into the oven the oven door is not open again until morning. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty! (Matt. 28:1-9) He Has Risen! He Has Risen Indeed!

Resurrection Eggs: we have a set of the Resurrection Eggs and H is really excited to find them on Easter morning.  We always put a little treat in a few of the eggs as well.  The eggs have little objects in them to tell the story of Easter.  

Music:

We have a playlist that we play during the Lenten season.  Here are some of our favorites.

I will start off with the upbeat songs we enjoy.  We love blasting these ones out of the speakers on Sunday morning, and singing at the top our lungs...

Celebrate (He Lives) - Fred Hammond (yea, I have a little Southern Gospel love in my heart)

Happy Day - Jesus Culture

God’s Not Dead (Like a Lion) - Newsboys
My Redeemer Lives

Here are some more favorites in our list:

Power in the Blood - Shane and Shane

Jesus Messiah - Chris Tomlin

Nothing But The Blood - Matt Redman

How Deep The Father’s Love For Us - Skillet

Christ Is Risen - Matt Maher

In Christ Alone

Jesus Christ Is Risen Today - Veggitails (H likes this version)

Here is a new song by Citizens.  We have already been having a good time dancing to this one.  This song caused for a longer bed time routine the other night.  I haven't learned yet to not have a dance party right before bed time. (Ephesians 2:4-6)

Made Alive - Citizens

-Chad