by Pat Lamb (Author of: Let the Children Come: Children, Come to Me; Widening the Church Doors to Teach the Narrow Way; When the Stars Fall Down; My Thinking Book; Love is….) Books are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and www.patlambchristianauthor.com
Train up a child…
Plan a Meaningful Easter
Easter is arguably the most important holiday of the year. Without Easter, Christmas would lose its importance. For this reason, we should make great effort to impress upon children the relevance of this holiday.
It is always good to create pleasant memories for children. It is investment in their future to do so. At the same time, we must make sure that children understand the true meaning of this special time.
Many would like to do away with the commercialism associated with Easter. Realistically, that will probably never happen. Our best option, it would seem, is to use the commercialism to teach children while they still enjoy the fun provided by longtime traditions. Egg hunts are fun and children would most likely resent not being allowed to take part in them. If we can tell the children that the eggs represent new life as provided by Christ’s death on the cross and that we are promised in the Bible that if we seek that new life we will find it; then, they can learn truth while having fun. Easter baskets can be explained as coming from those who love them and want to show that love. Since God gave his son as a gift, we like to give gifts to our children. If new clothes are purchased at this time, again we can tell the children that a life is just like new once a person believes in Christ, repents, and invites the Holy Spirit to live within us. Most children are too intelligent to actually believe in an Easter bunny. It is best to tell the children that the Easter bunny is simply part of a game that is played at this time of year.
There is no better time than Easter to take the family to church and teach children John 3:16. Every child should know this verse that says, “For God so loved the world that He gave his only son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”. Many churches have special services at Easter. Some churches have a solemn service on Good Friday. Some churches will have a sunrise service. When children get up early for this event, they are forced to realize that this time is special.
Let’s put special effort into making sure children remember this Easter. Let’s have fun with the children and at the same time teach them the real meaning of the holiday. Many religions worship an individual, but the Christian religion is the only one that worships a risen Savior. This event provides hope for each of us in a life after death. Knowing this gives children purpose and meaning to life.