Today is the day that we've been talking about at our house for several weeks. The day that we remember that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. Of course, we try to remember that every day, but this week we've been building toward this day through reading and activities.
We started off with dyeing eggs. I know. I had to do a little research to figure out what the reason is that folks dye eggs for Easter. To me, it's always been a hype, but this year we thought it would just be something fun to do. After all, it's a big thing in Russia, and we did promise the judge that we would keep some Russian traditions alive in our home.
So. The research. I found on a website detailing Russian traditions that Russians hold eggs pretty highly at Easter time. Why? They see an egg as 'new life'. You know. Eggs house baby chicks which = a new little life.
How did we tie in the whole tradition with the whole reason for remembering? Jesus died on the cross and offered NEW LIFE!!! just as an egg has new life. Did they get it? I don't know. When we finished the dyeing, Will asks, "So, Mom. When will the little chickens come out?"
Another day we took a little walk back by the creek. Our walk was more than just a walk. We were a little search party....though I was the only one doing the searching as they weren't sure what moss was.
The search was cold. All were bundled up in winter parkas, okay, make that snowsuits. We trekked through the mud, posed by large trees, and slid down muddy hills trying to find the perfect moss....the perfect rock...the perfect sticks....the perfect thorny twigs.
We found what we were after and stumbled back to the house to warm up our frigid bodies.
The outcome of our little trek was well worth it. We now have a little 'tomb' topped with three crosses. Hanging above our creation is a little 'crown of thorns'.
Honestly? I'm not a mom who does lots of projects with her children. I don't particularly enjoy it. I don't like trying to explain things in little people terms.
But this time? It's been worth it. The children are understanding what Easter is all about.
They loved dyeing our simple eggs, but they love reading the story of Jesus more.
Today when we stopped reading after they lay Jesus in the tomb, both children sat quietly for long moments (which is a slight miracle in itself) soaking it all in. Finally, Addie says, "That's why the rock is still in front of the hole that we made in the dirt. Jesus is still there. Will He ever come out?" Will sat even longer. His face was long, his eyes were actually filled with tears. "Why Mommy? Why did those mean people do that stuff to Jesus? Why did He die on the cross?"
The projects made it worth the time. They have the visual to relate the story with. They touched the 'crown of thorns' and were alarmed that someone would actually shove that on Jesus' head. They have been soaking it all in.
Both are sad that we stopped the story there. Neither one can wait til Sunday morning when we finish up the story...the part where it really gets good.
Jesus arose from the grave!!!! They can't wait.
And really? That's what Easter is all about. Not the death on the cross, though it had to happen before Jesus could rise from the dead. Not the easter eggs, though they do relay the message of new life in Jesus. Not the many things that we tend to 'do' to help us remember, though those are good in helping teach our children.
Easter is all about the celebration that JESUS IS ALIVE TODAY!!! He came, He lived, He died, and He lives again. All for us. You and me.
Not just for this weekend, but for every day of our lives. Jesus is alive! Jesus died for me!
What a thing worth celebrating.
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