Looking back on my childhood, I have some vivid memories of Palm Sunday and Easter celebrations…pretty dresses, white gloves, dying eggs, finding and hiding eggs, Easter baskets, a big hollow chocolate bunny, ham and mashed potatoes and spending the day with family.
In my home church, Palm Sunday meant the high school Sunday School students marched down the aisle of the church in two rows carrying their own palm branch. Once they got to the front pew, they turned toward each other and created an archway of palms that the rest of the students (and eventually themselves) walked under and laid the palms in front of the church. I adored this tradition! Special music was provided by all.
On Easter Sunday, the older kids in Luther League took care of the entire sunrise service and served a hot breakfast. We entered a very dark and bare church. Soon, the window covers were coming down, light was streaming in and the church was decorated with linens, candles and lilies. HE IS RISEN!
As I got older, the fun of Easter eventually disappeared and sometimes I felt as empty as the tomb.
Balancing work and church is often a struggle, especially when married to a retail manager. I’ve had my share of quiet holidays spent completely alone. Instead of being grateful for the significance of the day, I was bitter and longed for no shopping on Sundays.
When I had my own son, the joy of Easter seeped back into my soul; but so did a newfound sense of sorrow as I thought of the events leading up to the joyous day. I cannot imagine seeing my son suffering and hanging on the cross. Can you?
Each year as our son grows, I find myself trying to fit in old and new traditions and really emphasize what we are celebrating. His heart is wide open and it brings me such joy watching him find his own wings in faith.
My renewed gratitude of Holy Week prompted me to make Easter Sunday eggstra (sorry…I couldn’t resist) special for The Little One (a nickname he claims to be too big for). We still hid eggs with chocolates or coins in them, but soon I was adding notes of God’s love.
A couple years ago, Shawn and I attended Easter service at my parent’s new church in Mayville. Their pastor gathered the young ones of the church for the Children’s Sermon and presented the Easter story through Resurrection Eggs. Even my interest was piqued!
Last year, we purchased our own Resurrection Eggs for Shawn and the Easter story came to life. This has proven to be one of the best gifts we have ever given him. Twelve cheerfully colored eggs each hold a miniature symbol of the Easter story which unfolds through the guide book included.
Now our son not only hears the story, but has something tangible to hold. The moment those eggs reappeared this year, Shawn was ready to hear the story all over again.
If you have little ones in your life, the Sola family highly recommends Resurrection Eggs to make the holiday a little more hands on and meaningful.
Happy Easter, Everyone!
