Activities to Emphasize the True Meaning of Easter

~The Empty Tomb (see pictures)

We do this activity every year at Easter to help the kids visualize the Empty Tomb. We place it on our hutch when complete to remind us of the true meaning of Easter- Jesus' sacrifice for our sins.

Recipe-

4c. flour

1 c. salt

1 1/2 c. warm water

Mix flour and salt. Add water and mix until dough no longer sticks to the sides of the bowl. Then knead the dough on lightly floured surface until smooth. Roll out to about 1/2' thickness. Use a small oven proof bowl (glass is fine) turned upside down on cookie sheet. We spray the outside of the bowl with cooking spray so the tomb won't stick. Cover the bowl with the dough and make a finished edge at the bottom. Cut out a door "stone" to place up against the finished tomb. Place the stone face down on cookie sheet. Bake in warm oven (150 degrees) for about 2 hrs.

When cool carefully remove the tomb from the bowl. We place a piece of construction paper underneath the tomb with the words "He is not here, he has risen as He said." Place in a visible location for the Easter season.

~We always read a good Bible story book about the Resurrection. We have one we've used for many years. I like ones with true to life pictures that adequately express the meaning of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for us.

~During the Easter season we read the Biblical account of the Passion week beginning with Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.

~Joni Eareckson Tada's Passion Hymns for a Kid's Heart is a great resource. We LOVE The songs about the cross and the resurrection and play them often, especially around Easter time.