Easter, A Celebration of Christ!

Spring is on its way, at least I thought it was until it started snowing and looks like we are having a second winter. Luckily it is warm enough that the snow doesn't last long.  I love everything about springtime, the robins singing, blossoms and tulips poking their heads out of the ground and nature waking up to share its beauty with us.  Along with spring comes Easter time, the Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

 After His death, the body of Jesus was placed in a sepulcher. Three days later His spirit was reunited with His physical body. Our Savior Jesus Christ was resurrected with a gloried body of bone and flesh, never to be separated from His spirit again.  He lives today!  Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all mankind will be resurrected, their bodies and spirits will be reunited again. What a wonderful gift that our Heavenly Father and Savior have given us. Paul taught of the resurrection in Corinthians:

 “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept. … For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:20, 22; see also Alma 11:42-45).

Easter is one of the holidays that has been overtaken by commercialism. Do we really pay attention to what we are celebrating, or is it just about Easter egg hunts, chocolate, and bunnies?   It is so easy to get caught up in the world's idea of Easter and to forget about our Savior.   The Easter baskets are fun and cute and kids get excited to see what the Easter bunny left for them.  For some, it's like another Christmas.  The stores sell giant, prefilled baskets stuffed full of all kinds of toys, candy of every kind and all kinds of Easter themed trinkets. Sometimes it's hard not to fall into the commercial side of Easter, after all, I want my children to be happy.

We don't celebrate the Easter Bunny at our house. My kids know that he is just a made up person and that I am the one that fills their baskets.  I don't go overboard on baskets because it drives me crazy that Easter is so commercialized. Easter is a great time for my kids to get new church clothes or a new summer outfit depending on what they need the most.  In addition to an outfit, their baskets might contain a few treats, a coloring book, and sidewalk chalk.  We do join in on the Easter egg hunts and occasionally die eggs.   If you are interested in knowing where the Easter bunny came from: Where did the Easter Bunny Come from?
Where did Easter Baskets come from?

My reason for this post is to provide you with ideas for a more Christ Centered Easter Celebration.  I hope you will find something useful here. Please feel free to share your ideas below. I love to hear from readers.

He is Risen!

Jesus is Resurrected

An Easter Declaration

Gethsemane

Easter Activities:

Christ-Centered Easter Egg Hunt

My kids love a good Easter Egg hunt. Grandma usually puts one on for them so it is something exciting to look forward to.  I also do an Easter Egg hunt, but it is  Christ-centered. Each egg is filled with something to remind them of the life of Christ.  

This version from Messes to Memories provides cute, colorful printouts with reference scriptures.

This version from Church House Collection has free printables to put in the eggs, so you don't have to worry about collecting anything.

 Happy Home Fairy version is geared more towards toddlers. 

Resurrection Rolls From Eat at Allie's

I love this idea of an Easter Walk.  What fun to have a treasure hunt to look for things to remind us of our Saviors resurrection.

Palm Sunday from Catholic Icing

Jelly Bean Prayer from the Idea Room

Lamb of God Craft from The Homeschool Village

Stained Glass Cross from Mom on Time Out

Easter Walk from Mormon Share

Lamb of God Lenten Craft from Brimful Curiosities

Holy Week Calendar from the Domestic Notebook

He Is Risen Craft From Totally Tots

Holy Thursday Last Supper Craft from Catholic Icing

Resurrection Set from Catholic Icing

Easter Lantern from Multiply Goodness

Easter Playdough Mountain from Mama Gab

Holy Week in Hand Prints from Catholic Icing

A Week of Easter - from Our Family blog.  I love everything on this blog. What a fun family tradition and a great way to teach children about Easter. 

Holy Week  from Mercy River Music

Hosanna Branch Wave from Mommy Snippets

Easter Copywork from To the Moon and Back

Resurrection Eggs Copywork from Mercy is New

Easter Treat from Free Fun Easter

Bible Printables and Crafts from Christian Preschool Printables

There are so many Christ-centered activities to choose from. I hope that as Easter approaches you will take the time to reflect on our Savior and share His love with those around you.  If you are looking for Bible videos to share look here.   These scenes from the New Testament depict the life of Jesus Christ so beautifully.  

What are your Easter traditions? Please feel free to leave your comments and links below.  I would love to hear from you.