Sharing the Truth of Easter with Grandchildren (Part 1)

Written by Deborah Haddix, Writer, Speaker, and Christian Life Coach

In Christ, because of who He is and what He has done, we who believe in Him have a living hope (1 Peter 1:3). A hope we want for our grandchildren.

Before we dive into some practical ideas for passing along our legacy of hope, we must hear an important word of caution: The wishes of our adult children need to be respected.

If they have forbidden us to speak about God or share our faith with our grandchildren, we would do well to honor their wishes. Never giving up, mind you, but always praying that someday their hearts will be softened on the matter.

If, however, you are not restricted in speech or action, consider these ideas for passing your legacy of hope in Christ to your grandchildren at Easter.

1. Fill an Easter Basket.

The giving of Easter baskets is one of the most common traditions of the season. Go ahead and fill the baskets!

However, instead of stuffing them with an abundance of chocolate and candy, help your grandchildren learn more about Jesus and the work of the Cross by filling their baskets with items that will turn their attention to the meaning of Easter.

Board books and simple picture books such as The Easter Story; The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross; The Tale of Three Trees; and God’s Very Good Idea help little ones hear the Good News.

The King of Easter, The Donkey Who Carried a King, and Amon’s Adventure might be a good choice for the basket of your elementary-aged grandchild. For older grandchildren, consider placing a copy of The Case for Easter or He Chose the Nails in their Easter basket.

Other basket-filling ideas that will help your grandchildren learn more about the meaning of Easter include coloring and activity books such as the Easter Coloring and Activity Book by Our Daily Bread for Kids, and sticker and activity books.

2. Use Resurrection Eggs.

Honestly, who doesn’t love a good egg hunt? Pass along your legacy of faith in the hope of Christ by using resurrection eggs for your version of a time-honored custom.

Consisting of one dozen plastic eggs, each filled with a symbol of the Easter story, resurrection eggs provide a fun and engaging way for your grandchildren to interact with portions of the Easter story. Allow your grandchildren to open one egg each day during the twelve days leading up to Easter or after all the eggs have been found during the annual hunt. Either way, discuss the symbols as each is revealed.

Search Pinterest to locate directions on making your own set of resurrection eggs or purchase them from your favorite Christian marketplace.

3. Host a Family Gathering.

Gathering moments (especially those involving good food) afford wonderful opportunities for connecting and sharing. In fact, one of the best places for passing along your legacy of hope in Christ is around the dinner table.

Take advantage of the mighty power of gathering. Invite your family to Easter dinner or for a day-long celebration.

Whatever your choice of gathering, amid the traditional fun of bunnies, baskets, and egg hunts, plan some conversation and activities that will help you share the Hope that is yours. Read the resurrection account from one of the Gospels before dinner. Make the most of your dinner conversation by asking some great questions you prepared beforehand. Play Easter-themed Charades or Pictionary after dinner.

4. Bake Some Treats.

Grab your mixing bowl, baking sheets, and apron. Then bake up some visual aids that will help your grandchildren “peer” into the story of Easter.

On the Saturday evening before Easter Sunday, invite your grandchildren over to help you make resurrection cookies or resurrection rolls. If Saturday evening doesn’t work, make your goodies on Sunday during your family gathering.

Then while you are enjoying the results of your combined baking efforts, engage your grandchildren in thoughtful discussion about the resurrection of Christ.

5. Organize an Easter Scavenger Hunt.

An Easter scavenger hunt will require some forethought and effort on your part but is likely to become a cherished Easter tradition.

In the days leading up to your Easter celebration, spend some time in the Bible searching out passages related to the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. Select a portion of those passages to use as Scripture clues to be used in helping your grandchildren find symbols that represent parts of the Easter story. Passages such as Matthew 28:5-6; Mark 15:17, 46; Luke 23:44-46; and John 19:17-18 are great places to begin gathering Scripture clues.

The next step is to write out your clues and round up your symbols.

Before your grandchildren arrive for the Easter celebration, hide the symbols. Then when it’s time for the hunt, distribute the clues. As the hunt progresses, take the opportunity to talk with your grandchildren about the significance of Easter, what it means to have faith in Jesus Christ, and your love for the Savior.

Part 2 of this blog covers five more ways to share the truth of Easter with your grandchildren. It will also share things to do if your grandchildren do not live near you.