One of the joys of a celebration is the anticipation of the actual event.  For Christians, we look forward to looking back!

The Lenten and Easter Season is a time of reflection as we remember the sacrificial love of Christ and His redemption on the cross. 

Life can be busy. Before we know it, Easter is over, and the opportunity to impart significance to the day is lost. For families with small children, the joy of anticipation is contagious, and it provides parents with an opportunity to present our children with meaning for this season.

The tradition of an Easter Advent is an uncomplicated way to remind ourselves of why we celebrate Easter. This devotional activity can be done at the breakfast table, after school, during dinner or before bedtime.  It is an opportunity to gather together and reflect on the meaning of Easter.

Materials Needed:

- An Easter basket

- Eight plastic Easter eggs

- A small palm frond or any similar leaf

- A crust of bread

- A silver coin (dime or quarter)

- A pair of dice

- A feather

- A thorn

- A rock

Place each item in a plastic egg.  The basket should be placed where it can be seen easily throughout the week.

From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, the family will open one Easter egg each day. The eggs are  numbered according to the day, and the following explanations will explain the meaning behind each egg’s contents.

 Egg #1 – Palm Sunday

 Inside the egg: A palm frond.

So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” - John 12:13

Egg #2 – Monday  

Inside the Egg: A cracker or crust of bread

Jesus celebrated the Feast of the Passover, instituting the Holy Communion.

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." – Luke 22:19

 Egg #3 – Tuesday      

 Inside the egg:  A silver coin

Judas was Jesus’ disciple, but he betrayed Jesus. Jesus was arrested due to Judas' betrayal for silver coins.

When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. – Matthew 27:3

Egg #4 – Wednesday

Inside the egg: Dice

Temple guard arrested Jesus, and he was taken to an illegal night session of the Jewish court.  Roman soldiers gambled for his clothes.

Egg #5 – Thursday

Inside the egg: a feather

Peter denied knowing Jesus, just as Jesus said. When a rooster crowed three time, Peter wept because he remembered what Jesus had said.

Egg #6 - Good Friday

Inside the egg:  A thorn

Roman soldiers placed a crown of thorns on Jesus’ head and mocked him to hurt him. They took Jesus to Golgotha, where he was crucified.

Egg #6 – Saturday

Inside the egg: A rock

Jesus’ tomb was sealed by a large stone. 

Egg #7 – Easter Sunday 

Inside the egg:  Nothing!  The tomb is empty!

An angel met Mary at the tomb to tell her that Jesus had risen from the dead. 

“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you'.” – Matthew 16:6-7 

Take the opportunity this Easter to help your family connect with Christ’s sacrifice for us.  May your Easter be blessed, and your hearts full of the joy and peace we have in Christ.

He is risen!