Easter Resources for the Family
By Elizabeth Barrett —
Easter is just around the corner and in case you need a book or two to help your family prepare, here are some great options:
Two books for elementary aged children are That Easter Morn, based on the 15th century hymn, and R.C. Sproul’s, The Donkey Who Carried a King. That Eastern Morn is a good overview of the resurrection events and I love that it is the lyrics of a hymn. And anything Sproul writes for children is always a sure bet. The Donkey Who Carried a King is no different. Sproul’s book is creative, telling the story of the cross and resurrection through the eyes of Davie the donkey who carried Jesus on his back on Palm Sunday and not that long after saw this King carrying his own cross. Sproul presents the gospel very clearly at the end and there is a helpful list of Bible verses at the end that parents can use in talking through the Easter story with their children.
Second, we have been using Resurrection Eggs in conjunction with Benjamin’s Box: The Story of the Resurrection Eggs, which is a very tangible way to walk children through Palm Sunday, and the death and resurrection of Christ. The Resurrection Eggs contain 12 plastic eggs, each with a figurine inside representing an event from holy week. The Resurrection Eggs kit comes with a booklet explaining each symbol, but the book Benjamin’s Box is a great additional story that walks through each of the figurines as well.
Resurrection iWitness. By Doug Powell. Nashville, B&H: 2012.
Third, Resurrection iWitness, by Doug Powell, is a unique, interactive apologetic for the resurrection of Christ. Each page has lots of pictures and envelops with additional materials inside. I highly recommend this for jr. high and older. Also, here is a video where Powell describes what his new book is all about:
Any of these books would be a great tool to help your family prepare to celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ, and each would serve as a good gift in your children’s Easter Baskets. Either way, may our homes be filled with joy and thankfulness as we prepare for this most Holy of days.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7szH3_bU8ok&feature=player_embedded
Elizabeth Barrett is Design Director for Credo Magazine. She is married to Matthew and they have two daughters, Cassandra and Georgia.