Lately, the meaning of Easter celebrations has been neglected so that this important moment seems like an ordinary ritual. The colorful bunny and egg image is just one way of celebrating Easter that has nothing to do with the resurrection of Jesus. This article explains how to convey the meaning of Easter to young children according to Christian teachings. Start by telling the story of Jesus' passion in an age-appropriate style. The story of the crucifixion is usually scary for small children. Therefore, choose words that keep them feeling emotionally comfortable. In addition to telling stories, children can understand the meaning of Easter by doing activities that are in harmony with their Christian faith, instead of just focusing on the commercial aspects of Easter celebrations.
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Part 1 of 3: Discussing Things About Easter
Step 1. Read the story of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection
Begin to explain the meaning of Easter to young children by recounting the events that underlie the celebration of Easter in its entirety. If you provide information from another aspect, they may not realize the need to understand the biblical meaning of Easter. Even if you're telling your story by reading straight from the scriptures, stop occasionally to explain things that might make them wonder. Small children do not necessarily understand every word in the Bible.
- First, tell the story of the trial and resurrection of Jesus. Explain that Easter is celebrated in memory of this event. It would be more useful if you explained all the events that occurred in sequence because this relates to each celebration during the Easter week.
- Use words that are easy for young children to understand and teach new vocabulary while telling stories. For example: “Jesus was betrayed by Judas. Who knows the meaning of the word "betrayed"?
Step 2. Purchase the children's version of the Bible
If it already exists, just use it. If not, buy it online or at the nearest Christian bookstore. The children's version of the Bible is written in a style, symbols, and allegory that make biblical stories easier to understand. This Bible is very helpful for children who have difficulty understanding the meaning of Easter.
Step 3. Increase worship in church
Don't worry if you don't know how to explain the story of Jesus' passion and resurrection to young children. Maybe he's even confused after hearing the story you tell. In addition to worship, take him to church during Lent for prayer meetings and Sunday school (if any). Young children will understand better if they hear an explanation of the resurrection of Jesus from an authority figure, such as a pastor or Sunday school teacher.
- If possible, take the children to worship every holiday leading up to Easter. They will better understand the meaning of Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday celebrations by attending worship on those days.
- If Sunday school is held before or after the service schedule, include your child in this activity. In this way, he will hear the story of Jesus told in a childlike fashion and ask questions.
Step 4. Read an Easter-themed book to the children
Many books for children explain Easter by recounting the events of Jesus' resurrection, instead of dealing with commercial aspects such as painting eggs and rabbits. Purchase the book online or at the nearest Christian bookstore.
- The picture book “Toddler Easter Stories” by Juliet David tells the story of Jesus to toddlers through pictures.
- For toddlers, read the book “Jesus Is Risen” by Juliet David which tells the story of Jesus' resurrection in an age-appropriate style.
- For older children, buy the book “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe” by C. S. Lewis, translated by Donna Widjajanto. This book contains allegories that illustrate the redemption of mankind and the resurrection of Jesus through an imaginary world. Give an explanation so that he can understand the relationship between the story and the biblical story, for example Aslan represents Jesus. This book is useful for elementary-aged children who already understand the basics of Christianity.
Step 5. Focus on the significance of Jesus' resurrection
Easter is a great time to teach how important the resurrection of Jesus is as one of the fundamental aspects of Christian life. In addition to explaining the story of Jesus' resurrection, also explain why this event is so important for mankind.
- Explain that Jesus died for our sins. For example: “Jesus was born into this world as the Lamb of God to sacrifice himself to save the world. Jesus was a perfect man so He was different from us. Therefore, Jesus was a worthy sacrifice for God to atone for the sins of mankind.”
- Since you want to explain this to young children, choose words that are easy for them to understand. To express your belief that Jesus' body was resurrected after death, use the following example: “We are sad because Jesus died on the cross, but He has risen again. The resurrection of Jesus is proof that we too can perfect ourselves by living life according to His words. Just like Jesus, we too will experience a new life after leaving this world.”
Part 2 of 3: Teaching Through Activities
Step 1. Help the child make Easter baskets for others
During Lent, teach the virtues that Jesus applied to His life. Gift baskets are usually a means of commercializing Easter activities, but this can be used as a learning opportunity. Instead of making a gift basket for yourself, ask him to make it for someone else, for example to give to a friend at church.
- Suggest that she put some interesting gifts in the basket, such as candy and cookies. In addition, invite him to prepare gifts while teaching various things about Easter and the holidays before Easter.
- For example: ask him to copy a scripture verse on a small piece of paper and then decorate it. Roll up and place the paper in a plastic Easter egg.
Step 2. Decorate the eggs with religious symbols
Don't let him miss the chance to have fun on Easter. Young children usually like to draw. Use this activity to tell a story in the Bible using eggs as a medium to explain Christian life through symbols.
- Use color as a metaphor. Black represents sin, red represents the death of Jesus, blue represents sadness, and yellow represents the resurrection of Jesus. Some white eggs do not need to be colored to represent the life that has been sanctified by the death of Jesus. The green color represents new life.
- Invite the children to chat while decorating the eggs, for example: “You are making black eggs. If you still remember the lessons at Sunday school, what is the black symbol?"
Step 3. Give a gift that symbolizes new life
Children need to understand the positive aspects of Easter celebrations that represent new life and being born again, even though the story is sad. Give a gift that symbolizes it and use it as a vehicle to discuss the meaning of Easter.
- Give toys that symbolize new life, for example: toys in the form of baby animals (chicks, calves, or lambs).
- As a symbol of new life, you can buy a pet that is small and easy to care for, for example: goldfish. If you are ready to raise an animal and choose this method, ask him: “This goldfish is still a baby and very small. You want to know what is the connection between new life and Easter?”
Step 4. Have a game of finding items like a scavenger
In the yard, hide various objects related to the story of Jesus, for example: stones, two sticks, and objects of various colors. For example: green objects symbolize new life.
- Let the kids play outside while carrying a list of things to look for. If they have found it, explain how each item relates to the story of Jesus.
- For example, you might ask: “What does the stick have to do with the meaning of Easter? What things can be made using two sticks?”
Part 3 of 3: Anticipating Children's Reaction
Step 1. Focus on the positive side of very young children
If your child is a toddler, don't go into detail about Jesus' death. You may say that Jesus was put to death, but focus on the story of Jesus' resurrection. So that he is not afraid, tell him that Jesus is alive again.
- For example: You might say, "We are sad because Jesus was put to death, but don't be sad anymore because He is risen." After that, discuss the story of Jesus' resurrection in detail.
- For small children who do not know the chronology of events in the scriptures, the story may confuse him. However, this is only the beginning of the learning process and there is still plenty of time to teach children as they get older.
Step 2. Explain that it's normal to feel sad
As you begin to tell the detailed story of Jesus' death, also let him know that he may feel sad. Don't force him to suppress an emotional response. Tell him that it is okay to cry and grieve, especially during Easter week when you talk a lot about the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
However, you need to remind him that he doesn't need to suffer, for example by explaining, "If you feel sad, that's okay, but remember that Jesus died to save us from suffering."
Step 3. Turn his attention to the new life
As Easter approaches, remind him to focus on his new life. Explain that he will experience new life through Jesus. Try to end the Easter season by leaving a positive impression so that next year, your child will look forward to Easter and be able to live up to its religious significance.
