In a Sunday School or Bible Time setting, most children will answer “Jesus” when asked why we celebrate Easter. Actually, in that setting children will answer “Jesus” to most any question asked because most of the time that IS the answer.
To get a more accurate reading of our children’s understanding, we need to ask them about our reason for celebrating Easter during everyday life. Today while picking up the toys or wiping dishes, ask your children why we celebrate Easter or what Easter is about.
Last year when I did this at Sports Club, which is a group of homeschoolers from Christian homes, I was surprised at the answers. Admittedly, it was the sixth grade and under that were confused about Easter; the older children knew it was about celebrating Jesus’ rising from the dead. The younger grades got very excited about egg hunts, Easter bunny, candy, presents, coloring eggs and cousins coming to visit.
Now I am not going to be a kill joy—I love traditions and believe they bond families together. My encouragement today would be to make sure the importance of the day is not lost in the traditions, but rather that the traditions help celebrate the real reason we have to be happy on Easter (and every day). Easter is not about sprinkling Jesus on top of our traditions, but sprinkling the celebration of Jesus rising from the dead with fun traditions!
Have a wonderful Easter celebration, because He is Risen!