Blessings on This Good Friday

The Suffering Messiah by simplynik

   Over the years our Resurrection week (or Passion week or Holy week) activities have varied and changed according to the ages and understandings of our children. Early years brought crafts and simple lessons into our study of Christ's passion while later years involved readings and research into our studies. In the past few years we have studied the Jewish passover Seder elements and their symbolism- as well as viewing the movie The Passion. 
   Ten things we have done to celebrate Resurrection:
1. Baked Resurrection Cookies (as found here http://www.annieshomepage.com/resurrectioncookies.html):
2. Interactively studied the Bible's account of the last week of Christ starting with Palm Sunday until Resurrection morning (i.e. making palm leaves, discovering unleaven bread, and making a cross in our yard)
3. Used Resurrection Eggs to share with other children ( found here http://www.creativebiblestudy.com/resurrection-eggs.html)
4. Baked Resurrection rolls (as found here http://my.homewithgod.com/mkcathy/holiday/resurrectionrolls.html)
5. Watched The Passion together as a family one section at a time while studying the passion in the Bible.
6. Memorized Scriptures relating to the cross of Christ, written them on note cards, and placed them at the foot of the cross (a table size one) representing our love for Him.
7. Constructed a full size cross and placed it near our gate.
8. Served in various church based activities geared toward reaching the lost (or those who attend only on holidays).
9. Attended Resurrection services at our church.
10. Gathered with family and friends to celebrate the wonder of the Cross.

   With the schedules our teens keep these days, we started our Palm Sunday with a prayer to be used in our community as a witness to others. God has opened many doors; some quite unusual. For example, I served on a jury this week sharing my faith with others who served alongside me. We were able to share testimony with another believer in the presence of a Muslim friend (who took it well, and is still friendly with us).
   As you enter into Resurrection weekend, please consider prayerfully what God has planned for you; what message He may be trying to give. Our family prayerfully sends you blessings on this Good Friday.