The Easter Walk
This time of year, our hearts are rejoicing in the love and power and mercy God demonstrated so clearly to us on Easter. We also are enjoying more time outdoors, in our blooming (and green- Yay!) yard.We have taken our family on an "Easter Walk" before, and it just made us all stop and really THINK about JESUS, and all of a sudden the story came to life, and His promise at the end rang true in our hearts. We are planning to take time out to participate in this tomorrow. I hope maybe some of you will take a little "walk" and let this HOPE resonate in your hearts, too. :)
For us, our walk began near some cypress trees at the side of our yard. Brandon carried the loppers, and cut off a small branch for each of the children to wave while he recounted how the crowds took off their coats and waved branches saying "Hosanna! Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the LORD." We talked about how after this triumphal entry, Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Oh, how He loves us! Oh, how He wants us!!
Next, we began to talk about the passover, and its meaning. The "passover lamb" had to be a male, without defect, and was chosen 5 days before he was sacrificed. (Remember Moses and the death angel that "passed over" the homes that had the lamb's blood on the doorposts) So, we talked about the special meal they had, and we went into our "upper room" and sat on the floor, where we had set up a blanket and some bread in a bowl. Then Brandon talked about how Jesus served the disciples, and tried to prepare them for the things to come. Next B put a towel around his waist and washed the childrens' feet, talking to them the whole time about the account in the Bible. It was so precious to watch their solemn faces as they were beginning to understand this story so much better!
Then we walked back outside, to an area where we have some fruit trees, and talked about the garden and how, again, Jesus proved how very much He loved us all. Near the "garden" we had some 4x4 pieces of lumber. We had the boys try carrying them on their backs while we talked about Jesus carrying the cross for us. We sat down and imagined the crucifixion, and the anguish of it.
Then we talked about the tomb, the resurrection, the amazing power Jesus holds over EVERYTHING!!! Even the grave. And if He has power over death and the grave, there is absolutely nothing we can face that is too big for Him!! We used a roll of toilet paper to wrap one of the boys up (as in grave clothes), and then we laid him down, and then let him "BREAK" the power that bound him! (It was fun, but got the point across! ) We sang a song of victory!!- I am having trouble remembering which...
Lastly, we told the children about Jesus' ascension into Heaven, and how as He was talking to some of the disciples, he began to rise, and he promised He would come again. And the disciples stood and watched Him ascend into the clouds. For this special moment, we let the children each release a helium balloon, and we watched them float away until they were no longer visible. (This was my favorite part, I think) :) Just to know the great LOVE Jesus Christ has for us, and He said He was coming back to receive us unto himself, to be ever with the LORD!! amen and amen.
