Easter Traditions?

[Mary_Magdalene]

I am trying to think of some new Easter traditions to start in our family. Wanting to focus on Christ the whole week leading up to Easter Sunday. Does anyone have any traditions for Good Friday, etc.?

Thanks. Just trying to get some ideas.

 

[LuxPerpetua]

I have just recently made up a book called "reflections for Holy Week" for our family. It consists of my favorite Scripture readings in regard to Jesus' last week, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, and the start of the church age. Since it's my own personal copy, I also printed out pictures (like of Jesus on the donkey for Palm Sunday, etc.) and included some of my favorite prayers. I am going to have it bound tonight so that we can use this book each year during Holy Week. Every night we will read the readings for that day as a way of preparing our hearts and minds for Good Friday and then Easter morning. You (and anyone else) are more than welcome to pm me if you are interested and I can email my text version to you (it's almost 50 pages, though, so be prepared!). As far as other traditions, I really want to do a family footwashing on Thursday and then prepare homemade bread to eat in remembrance of the Last Supper. For Friday, we will be at church from 12 until 3 (hopefully) as a time or prayer and reflection of Christ on the cross.

 

[TwinCrier]

I plan on trying this cookie recipe that tells the Easter Story. If this turnes out, it become a yearly event.

EASTER STORY COOKIES (To be made the evening before Easter)

You will need:
1 cup Whole Pecans, Ziploc Bag,
3 Egg Whites, Wooden Spoon,
1 tsp. Vinegar, Tape,
Pinch of Salt,

The Holy Bible,
1 cup Sugar

Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important: DO NOT wait until you have finished mixing the recipe!) Place the pecans in the Ziploc bag and let the children beat them with the wooden spoon to break them into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, the Roman soldiers beat him. Read John 19:1-3

After measuring the vinegar, let each child smell the vinegar. Then put the vinegar into the mixing bowl. Explain that Jesus was thirsty on the cross and that He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 9:28-30

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His Life to give us eternal life. Read John 10:10-11

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add one cup of sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3
Fold in the broken nuts. Drop by rounded teaspoon onto waxed paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represent the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66
GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The Easter cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. JESUS HAS RISEN! Read Matthew 28:1-9

HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A BLESSED EASTER SEASON!

 

[plum]

My family spends Good Friday in mediation and quiet. Solemnity is important on this day.
We often watch no recreational tv or movies but we do watch "The Cross and the Switchblade" a lot. You could even read the sacrifice story from Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe when Aslan (yes, Jesus) dies and rises again.

Watch the Passion of Christ?

I recommend looking up the Sorrowful Mysteries that are meditated on during the praying of the rosary. These are meditations on Jesus' final trials and struggles leading up to his death. It is very powerful to keep those in mind.

Fasting and praying is something that we can use to bring our devotions deeper. Instead of ____ you can pray. (Fill in the blank with whatever).

For the rest of the week... well I was invited to a Passover meal given by a Messianic couple on Tuesday this week. I think this would put a perspective on Jesus as the Passover lamb, the traditions Jesus and his followers lived by...etc.