A Simple Easter & Holy Week

I love giving gifts to my children as much as anyone. It’s one of my primary love languages. But as I sat contemplating our Easter plans and I found myself scrolling wishlists and looking at my Amazon shopping cart, I couldn’t help but say… I think I’m doing it wrong. I know my heavenly Father loves to give his children gifts and there’s nothing wrong with that. But I want to focus our hearts on Jesus this week.

In the past years we’ve created a Resurrection Garden on Good Friday. It was the simplest of activities with such a beautiful message. My kids enjoyed this and looked forward to it for many years. We will certainly give this another go when the baby is old enough to understand. You can read my blog post about our Resurrection Garden here. 

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But my older children are, well, older. At age 10 and 8, they have read the gospels many times and know the gospel story and the arc of God’s love story. We’ve enjoyed The Jesus Storybook Bible’s retellings so much. You can view video of the Easter passages on YouTube: Here is the Easter morning video, God’s Wonderful Surprise.

 

This year I decided at the last minute to use Brighter Day Press’ Easter guide. I opted to purchase the bundle that includes the story cards and the daily activity guide. The story cards include a watercolor image related to each day of Holy Week, with a passage of scripture to read on the back.

Use my coupon code for 10% off at Brighter Day Press: MELISSA10-799!

 

The cards alone would be a very simple, visual way to mark Holy Week. The optional guide includes a slightly longer explanation of that scriptural passage, and an “I am” statement of Jesus to consider each day; there is also a daily hymn, picture book, and activity. I plan to use the scripture, discussion questions, and hymn each day (personally very much looking forward to the hymns each day!). We will likely do just one or two of the suggested activities this year.

So take a look at Brighter Day Press if you’re looking for something simple. (And don’t forget to use my coupon code for 10% off: MELISSA10-799) You can print the whole guide and the cards at home, so it’s not too late– even on Palm Sunday evening 🙂 Add in whatever you can to make this week meaningful for your family, contemplating the sacrifice of our Savior and his glorious resurrection!

Sunday is coming!