My plea for help was answered by a great idea from Kristen from Over The Backyard Fence. Here is what she shared with me, and I’m delighted to pass it on to you!
Jennifer,

Our Easter meal is typical, but we really focus on what the day means for us as Christians.
Anyway, perhaps these crosses can be shared and then you journey through scripture w/ your kids from the garden, to the cross, to the tomb… to the empty tomb!
Thank you SO much, Kristen, for sharing this with me/us!
I’m thinking that our children are old enough this year to watch The Passion of the Christ with them. I like the idea of watching it with a Bible handy, and stopping and discussing different parts of the movie.
Kristen’s Cross idea sparked another thought that is still rolling around in my mind. I need to talk more with Jesus and James about it. But if its something we can flesh out, I’ll share that with you next week.
In my files, I had another idea that might be enjoyed by families with older children. We haven’t tried these yet, but I’m planning on making them next week.
Easter Cookie Story
To be made the evening before Easter, or whenever you want to give this lesson.
You will need:
1c. whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
a pinch salt
1c. sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon
tape
Bible
1. Preheat oven to 300
2. Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, that the Roman soldiers beat him. Read John 19:1-3.
3. Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.
4. Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.
5. Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.
6. So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1c. sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.
7. Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’s eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah. 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
8. Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid. Read Matt. 27:57-60.
9. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. Read Matt.27:65-66.
10. GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
11. On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.
I’ll continue my search…If you have other ideas, please let me know. Thanks, friends.
Now, on to my braggy moment: This is Abigail and several of the 4th-6th graders who participated in our church’s Bible Drill. Everyone did a GREAT job! They all made it to the next competition level – which is this Sunday. They had to learn 25 verses and references (some were long!); know how to quote the veres when given only a few begining words; know the reference for, and be able to locate 10 key passages in the Bible, and of course, locate each book of the Bible, while naming the books before and after it.
We were proud and grateful parents tonight! What a Treasure these children are storing in their hearts and lives!
This entire post blessed my heart Jennifer! Your precious Abigail and the other children are awesome! I pray blessings over them as they enter the next level.
Thanks for sharing the cookie with us and your friend's message and the beautiful Resurrection cross.
You're always a blessing to my heart dear friend. I'm praying for you, your husband and kids this moment.
Love you.
From a friend through e-mail:
If you haven't done the Resurrection Cookies, I strongly encourage you too. It is a very powerful visual of the story. When you crush the nuts and think about the beating Christ took. When you smell the vinegar and think of him on that cross. When you leave those drops of dough in the oven overnight and wonder. When you see and taste the goodness in the morning. It is just wonderful. I did this for my classroom one year and I it is something I will always remember.
Blessing to you my dear friend.
Amy
Congrats to Abigail and the others!
I CANNOT wait to begin some of these unique Easter traditions with Anna Claire–just another year or so 🙂
Next week would be good…although Wednesday is the only day I have. Whatcha think?
Not entirely off-topic, but I just wanted to say how beautiful those little ladies are in Abigail's picture from Bible Drills! Makes me hopeful for the daughters-in-love that I may have one day!!! :OD ~Julie R.
I remember making these cookies but couldn't find the recipe to share…also so another blog today and she made resurrection cinnamon rolls. I also like the idea of watching the Passion of Christ – once the kids are old enough, the graphic part can have a real impact. I hope your celebration is beautiful with your family this year!