anticipation & celebration

We wanted to make the Easter story somehow tangible and accessible to the kids this year, knowing that they are only three and one and wouldn't understand a lot of the meaning behind Jesus' death and resurrection. Nevertheless, we wanted them to be part of the anticipation and celebration, along with me and Jason.

On Thursday, I was trying to think of what would make the story of the last supper seem more real to the kids. The symbolism of bread and wine may be lost on them, but the sharing of bread at the table seemed like something they might understand. So we spent the morning making bread - we milled our own flour, made the dough, waited for 2 hours for it to rise (yes, we used yeast), kneaded the dough, waited another 2 hours, shaped the dough into a ball and baked it. At the end of the day, they had a lot more fun making the bread than eating it...but I think they got that there was some correlation between bread, supper, and Jesus.

In the evening, Jason led us in some feet-washing. We read the story to them from their Kids Bible, and then we did it ourselves. They seemed excited by the fact that we were doing something they read about in a book. And of course, water and feet make a perfect combo for kids. It was also my first time washing someone else's feet - gave me new respect for the pope.

Although I had thought about making hot cross buns for Good Friday, I didn't quite wake up early enough. Instead, we colored eggs. It was fun - and a good reminder of the new life we celebrate on Easter. We colored a dozen on Friday, and by Sunday, they were all gone (eaten!).

Of course, on Sunday, we got together with our friends and community, and celebrated together. It was good.

Now that the Thanksgiving - Advent - Lent - Easter stretch is over, I'm not sure where to go in terms of spiritual focus and rhythm with the kids. Perhaps emphasizing the creation story with spring and summer around the corner? Or something else...not sure. Let me know if you have ideas to share!