Making My Home Sing A Song of Easter

Today marks "Holy Week", which is the week before Easter.  The week began with Palm Sunday where Jesus entered Jerusalem and His followers cried out "Hosanna, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord."  They were looking for a King to save them, to rule fairly and righteously over them.  Although He came to save them from their sins through His death on the cross, that is not what they were looking for at first. 

We now know the death and resurrection of Jesus is the powerful basis of Christianity.  We serve a Risen Savior, who is victorious and reigns forever.  But this victory over sin and death was only through His loving, submissive, giving of His life. 

This week as we 'prepare for Easter', amidst the coloring of eggs, choosing our finest clothes for Easter service, anticipate an Easter lunch and celebration with family, may we be mindful to prepare our hearts and homes also for the true celebration of Easter.

Some ideas to prepare the heart and the home this week include remembering and reflecting with thankfulness Jesus' sacrifice are:

• This week, read the resurrection account in each of the gospels, as well as the “resurrection chapter,” 1 Corinthians 15 (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20).
• Take time to consider at least three ways in which Jesus’ resurrection profoundly affects your life. Write them down. If you need some priming, read through 1 Corinthians 15, Romans 6:5, Philippians 3:10, or 1 Peter 1:3.
• Celebrate Easter by giving someone a gift. It can be an Easter basket, flowers, a Christian book or even a new Bible.
• Spend a few minutes in prayer each day, simply thanking God for the resurrection.
• Sing or read hymns about the cross. You might find yourself humming them during the day, turning others’ hearts toward Jesus as well!

  I have seen this recipe for Resurrection Rolls many times, but plan to give them a try this year:

Ingredients:

1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
8 large marshmallows
Melted butter
Cinnamon
Sugar

Directions:

Give each child one triangle shaped section of crescent roll. This represents the tomb.

Each child takes one marshmallow which represents the body of Christ.

Dip the marshmallow in the butter and roll in cinnamon and sugar mixture. This represents the oils and spices the body was anointed with upon burial.

Lay the marshmallow on the dough and carefully wrap it around the marshmallow.  Make sure all seams are pinched together well. (Otherwise the marshmallow will "ooze" out of the seams)

Bake according to package directions. Cool. Break open the tomb and the body of Christ is no longer there!!

This Easter can be one of the most spiritually significant times in your life. Allow God to work in your life by engaging in some of these spiritual disciplines and let the joy of the Risen Savior flow into your home and family!