More than bunnies....

We followed a real donkey into worship yesterday for Palm Sunday. That is what I love most about this season. There are so many ways to grab the imagination and bring to life the events of Jesus' life. Here are some I use with children.

Move and wave in the Palm Sunday entry to Jerusalem. Spread towels on the ground and relay the story of that wonderful parade. Older children like to form crosses out of the palm branches and save them.

Taste the flat bread Jesus ate - matzo or tortilla or pita. Sample it not as Holy Communion, but to recount part of the Last Supper based on the flight of Moses from Egypt. Lots of simple stories to go with the tasting. Older children will enjoy parts of Ten Commandments - the Charleton Heston one! The Angel of Death is very creepy!

Listen to birdsong outdoors or on a CD. That was one of the sounds in the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus prayed there. Say a very simple prayer for the new life all around you. Older children can be fascinated by the change that comes in the garden when Judas and the soldiers arrive! Where do the brave disciples go?

Touch rocks to build a mound like the rock outside Jesus tomb. It was much bigger than we can lift. How did Jesus move it? Older children can attend Good Friday services and know that "good" is from the German "Gott" meaning God's Friday.

Look at library or bookstore books which include all the stories of Holy Week. Even small children can understand how sad the disciples felt when they thought they would not see Jesus again. Older children can view videos form animated renditions to history channel docudramas. Make the Resurrection real!






However you choose to enhance your grandchild's Easter, you introduce more than bunnies. Blessings!