I wanted this topic to have it's own post, and not be overshadowed by bunnies or candy or clothes. I don't mind the Easter Bunny, or colored eggs, but of course we want our children to know the real reason why we celebrate Easter. So beginning about 2 weeks before, I began trying to explain the Easter story to Rebecca. Teaching a 2 year old about the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ is quite the challenge, and I found myself struggling to get my point across. I could tell, too, that Rebecca was not comprehending what I was so desperately trying to convey! Finally, I found a lovely book about the Easter story geared toward toddlers. Easter morning, the book took a backseat to the cotton candy and "peeps". But since then, Rebecca has asked me to read this book every night before bed. She is especially fasinated with the scowling faces of the Pharisees, and the cross that Jesus carries up to Calvary.
"Papa", (Mike's Dad) also sat with Kennedy and Rebecca Easter morning and told the Easter story with the aide of the "ressurection eggs". I'm sure you have all heard of this tool. I don't know for what age group it was originally intended, but I'm not sure how much of the story these 2 and 3 year olds understood between the fussing about who would get to open the pink egg!
However, a wise mother once told me, "If you wait until your child is old enough to actually understand, then you have already missed your window of opportunity." (Thank you, Angela).
I heard a wonderful quote today on the radio, and I am sorry that I cannot remember to whom it was attributed.
"Children are the messengers we send into a future that we will not see."
I just pray, and I mean that I literally pray multiple times daily, that God gives me the wisdom to instill in my child Christ's love and message.
3 comments:
Shannon, I can attest to the fact that our children are sponges despite their ability to truly comprehend all the meaning and depth we may intend. The flip side is that they soak in the good with the bad, too, so be careful.
Several times I have been told of the insight one or the other child has revealed of the good in a class setting, retreat, or other function. Keep at it, despite the doubts of comprehension. And keep up with the Resurrection eggs, too. They can become a tradition that deepens the understanding each year!
Another tool is the empty tomb cookies. I used them once (years ago) and they were great. You tell the story as you prepare this cookie recipe with the children. They are egg-white based and are baked in a preheated oven that is turned off when they are put into it. You leave the cookies in the oven over night. When you come back the next morning (as Mary & Martha did that first Easter), you find fluff balls that are hollow (empty) inside, symbolizing the empty tomb!!! How cool is that!
I don't know if I have that recipe still, but I will look to see what I can find.
Shannon, I can attest to the fact that our children are sponges despite their ability to truly comprehend all the meaning and depth we may intend. The flip side is that they soak in the good with the bad, too.
Several times I have been told of the insight one or the other child has had revealed the good in a class setting, retreat, or other function. Keep at it, despite the doubts of comprehension. And keep up with the Resurrection eggs, too. they can become a tradition that deepens the understanding each year!
Another tool is the empty tomb cookies. I used them once 8years ago) and they were great. You tell the story as you prepare this cookie recipe with the children. They are egg-white based and are baked in a preheated oven that is turned off when they are put into it. You leave the cookies in the oven over night. When you come back the next morning (as Mary & Martha did that first Easter), you find fluff balls that are hollow (empty) inside, symbolizing the empty tomb!!! How cool is that!
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