For the Christian, Easter isn’t just an event, it’s a lifestyle. We serve a big God who is making all things new—both now and for all eternity. This is the beauty of the Gospel that the resurrection portrays.
So… why do we “roll the stone” back in place every year until the next Easter?
If we’re not careful, it’s easy for Christian families to relegate a huge emphasis on Jesus’ resurrection to just a few weeks out of the year leading up to Easter Sunday. Then, we allow it to take a back seat until the next Spring.
But this is not God’s plan! The resurrection is the crux of our faith. Without it, we have no faith (I Cor. 15:17). And this truth that we serve a risen Savior ought to permeate our homes ALL year long.
WHY should we KEEP EASTER ALIVE after Sunday?
- Because Jesus is still alive!
- Because our faith rises or falls on the resurrection.
- Because while we are made right with God through Jesus’ death, we are saved from God’s wrath through Jesus’ life. (Romans 5:9-10)
- Because the lost world needs what only the power of the resurrection can provide (I Cor. 15:22).
So the important question…
WHAT can your family do to KEEP EASTER ALIVE all year round?
Here are a few ideas…
CELEBRATE your new life in Christ!
- Read, discuss, meditate, and memorize verses about the ongoing power of the resurrection in the life of the believer (For starters… John 3:7, Romans 6:4, Romans 8:11, Ephesians 2:4-7, I Peter 1:23, 2 Cor 5:17, Rev. 21:5)
- If your children aren’t yet saved, regularly use times of discipline and correction to point your kids to the Gospel and the fact that they need to personally be made new by Jesus.
ILLUSTRATE the resurrection in everyday life!
- God has beautifully and symbolically placed new and fresh resurrection life into all of his creation… the world coming back to life every spring… a new flower from a dead seed… the healing power of our bodies after an injury… a newborn baby brought into the world… every time a sinner who deserves punishment and death but is graciously given forgiveness and eternal life.
- Find ways in everyday life to highlight resurrection power for your kids. And challenge them to find examples for themselves as well (Maybe I feel a family challenge coming on!)
- Make the resurrection visible to your kids in everyday life. Without it we can’t be saved, because a dead Savior can’t save anyone.
ANTICIPATE Easter Sunday like the Big Deal that it is!
- If the spirit of Easter becomes more of a lifestyle in your home than just an event, the anticipation for the event will become so much more meaningful. Some families help accomplish this anticipation through an advent calendar, others through fun activities and celebrations.
- Remember, our kids will make a big deal about what we make a big deal about. Are we making a big deal about the resurrection? Or is it just a good excuse to hide some eggs and buy some extra candy (which I’m not against doing too, by the way)?
May our resurrection lifestyle this coming year teach our kids that Easter is more than just a Sunday!
