Easter Week 2010

Now that Finley is a bit older, holidays around our house are becoming even more fun!  I am totally that  annoying and cheesy mom who has week long celebrations leading up to birthdays and holidays so this past week has been quite busy!  We had so much fun preparing our hearts for the real meaning of Easter through activities, crafts, and food!  My inner-teacher roared her little head... Here's how we prepared for Easter this year!

Sunday:

Scripture Reading:

Read John 12:12-14 and discussed the Triumphal Entry and the meaning of Hosanna (Save!).
Activity:
Finley made a palm branch during church.... so cute!  Love this idea!

Monday:

Reading:
Read The Story of Easter and discussed that Jesus gives us new life through His death and resurrection.
Activity:
We went on a walk through our neighborhood and discussed the new life all around us.

Tuesday:

Reading:
Read My First Story of Easter and discussed how Jesus was called the King of the Jews.
Activity:
Made crown out of flowers... Discussed how Jesus' crown was made of thorns instead.

Wednesday:

Scripture Reading:
Read Mark 14:32-50 and discussed Jesus' Arrest through the following truths:
1. Jesus knew what was going to happen, but He did not run away or hide.
2. Jesus wanted to do what God, His Father, wanted Him to do.
Activity:
Went to the zoo and petted the lambs... Discussed how Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins... He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

Thursday:

Scripture Reading:
Read Mark 14:53-15:15 and discussed The Trial with the following truths:
1. Jesus had done nothing wrong.
2. God was in complete control.  It was God's plan for Jesus to die.
Activity:
Read through the Easter story using the Resurrection Eggs that Aunt Amy made us last year.  Love this! So creative and easy for kids to understand.

Friday:

Scripture Reading:
Read Mark 15:16-32 and discussed The Crucifixion through the following Truths:
1. Jesus could have come down off the cross, but He did not.  He knew God wanted Him to be there, and He obeyed God.
2. Jesus suffered for our sins.  The soldiers hurt Jesus.
Activity:
Made handprint then used a nail to poke hole to signify the nails in Jesus' hands.  We also attended a Good Friday service!

Saturday:

Scripture Reading:
Read Mark 15:33-47 and discussed Jesus' Death and Burial through the following Truths:
1. Jesus died on the cross.  He died because He loves us and wants us to go to heaven.
2. Only people who love and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ will go to heaven.
3. Jesus' friends took His dead body and laid it in a tomb.
Activity:
Made Resurrection Rolls and discussed burial preparation and Jesus' Resurrection.

Sunday:

Scripture Reading:
Read Matthew 28:1-10 and discussed The Resurrection through the following Truths:
1. God made Jesus come alive again.
2. Because Jesus came alive, all people who believe in Him will live forever with Him.
3. Many people saw Jesus and talked to Him after His resurrection.
Activity:
Opened Easter basket and discussed that we get gifts as a reminder that Jesus gave us the ultimate gift-- Eternal Life through His Death, Resurrection, and Ascension!!!!!  Also, went to church and celebrated with family!

More Easter to come!