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Easter Is Not About the Bunny: One KidMin Director’s Perspective

Next, at the Garden of Gethsemane station, families talked about how Jesus prayed to God when he faced a difficult situation. Then they took a hand cutout, wrote something they needed God’s help with, and taped it on the wall.

For the Good Friday station, families tasted lemons (sour) and pineapples (sweet). Then they discussed how Jesus’ death was both sour and sweet. Finally, at the Resurrection station, families wrote on a piece of dissolving paper something they needed to ask God to forgive them for. Then they put those in a cup, poured in water, stirred, and watched the paper disappear. Just like God does with our sins! This was an amazing event for families at our church.

The Real Meaning of Easter

When I teach, this is what I want children to remember about Easter. I want them to know Jesus’ love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and gift of eternal life. I don’t want kids to remember that Mrs. Vanessa brought in an Easter bunny that hopped around and gave us candy. I want them to remember that Jesus SAVES and is ALIVE!

Yet sometimes I wonder if kids really get it. Do they understand what Easter is truly about? Do they know Easter is not about the bunny but about Jesus? A parent once emailed me a video. She was asking her 6-year-old daughter what Easter is and why we celebrate it. This girl told about Jesus, how he died for us, forgives us, lives in heaven, and one day we will too. That made my day and was so encouraging. The mother told me: “In case you ever wonder, you’re helping to shape the future of this church and leading children to their eternity with Christ.” I so needed to hear that! Children do understand!

Easter is not about the bunny, after all. It’s about the cross. Easter is about Jesus’ love for us and His sacrifice so we could live forever with Him. I’m excited to share that great news with kids at church and…with anyone. Go out today and share Jesus with someone!

What church or family traditions help you take the focus off the Easter bunny and keep it on Jesus? I’d love to hear from you!

This article originally appeared here.

Rise Up: Choosing Faith Over Fear in Christian Ministry

 

Don’t miss Vanessa Myers’ book Rise Up: Choosing Faith Over Fear in Christian Ministry.