Daily Truth: “He is not here; He has risen, as He said [He would do]. Come, see the place where He lay.” Matthew 28:6
He is risen!
The cry of Easter is heard throughout the World.
He is risen!
That phrase separates Christianity from all other religions.
My kids have been singing, “Christ the Lord is risen today” all week.
So, they don’t understand all the words. “Dark domain” was asked about. But they get the main thrust of the song – Christ is risen from the grave and He is in Heaven preparing a place for us.
Easter Sunday is the most important holiday on the calendar. Yet, the cry, “He is Risen” is barely heard above the din of baskets full of candy, bunnies, and colored eggs.
So, how can we help our kiddos understand the real reason for Easter?
Every year, I have made Easter Story Cookies with my kids. I considered skipping it this year until my youngest asked me if we were going to make those “empty tomb” cookies this year.
Here is the recipe. It is not original with me.
1 c whole pecans zip-lock plastic bag
1 tsp. vinegar wooden spoon
3 egg whites (room temperature) tape (optional)
pinch of salt Bible
1 c sugar Cookie sheet covered in wax paper
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
2. Place pecans in plastic bag. Allow your child to beat them with a wooden spoon. Explain that Jesus was beaten by the Roman soldiers. (John 19:1-3)
3. Let your child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp into a mixing bowl. Explain that Jesus was given vinegar to drink while He was on the cross. (John 19:28-30)
4. Add egg whites. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life for our sins. (John 10:10-11)
5. Sprinkle a little salt on your child’s hand. Let them taste it. Sprinkle some salt into the bowl. Explain that this represents the disciples tears. (Luke 23:26-28)
6. Add one cup of sugar. Explain that the fact that Jesus died because He loves us is the sweet part of the story. (Psalms 34:8 and John 3:16)
7. Beat the ingredients with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents our hearts when Jesus cleanses them from sin. (Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3)
8. Fold in pecans. Drop by teaspoons onto cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents Jesus’ tomb. (Matthew 27:57-60)
9. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door, and turn the oven off. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. (Matthew 27:65-66)
10. Tell your child it’s time for bed. Explain that the disciples were sad when the disciples left Jesus’ body in the tomb. (John 16:20 -22)
On Easter Morning:
Open the oven and give each child a cookie. When they bite the cookie it will be hollow. Explain the disciples were amazed that Jesus’ tomb was empty. He is risen!! (Matthew 28:1-9)
My kiddos love making these. It is a fun way to explain the Easter story to your little ones.
Have a wonderful Easter. He is Risen!!!!
Rebekah
