Seven Ideas for Celebrating Easter in 2021
1) Study an Easter Devotional
Bring the family together to study an Easter Devotional. There are several from which to choose. This 17-day devotional by Ann Voskamp shares similarities with the Advent Joshua Tree. It will walk your family through the story of Jesus, leading to the cross and resurrection. The Jesus Storybook Bible connects the individual stories of Scripture to the greater narrative being told throughout the books of the Bible. The chapters leading up to the resurrection of Jesus can be read and studied devotionally.
You might also choose to do your own devotion with your family.
2) Sing Easter Hymns
While Christmas carols are more universally recognizable than Easter hymns, hundreds, if not thousands, of songs celebrate Christ’s resurrection. Here are a few hymns and songs you and your family can sing loudly and joyfully as we approach Easter:
- Jesus Paid it All by Elvina M. Hall
- In Christ Alone by Keith and Kristyn Getty
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross by Isaac Watts
- Christ the Lord Is Risen Today by Charles Wesley
- It is Well by Horatio Spafford
- How Great Thou Art by Carl Boberg
- Before the Throne of God Above by Charitie Lee Bancroft
- Holy, Holy, Holy by John Bacchus Dykes
- Christ Our Hope in Life and Death by Keith and Kristyn Getty
- Living Hope by Phil Wickham
- Christ is Risen by Matt Maher
- His Mercy is More by Matt Papa and Matt Boswell
- King of Kings by Hillsong Worship
- 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) by Matt Redman
This is a small sample of the substantial number of Easter songs. You can make a “Resurrection Playlist” for traveling and remind yourself and your family of Jesus’ glorious resurrection.
3) Take a Family Hike
As the temperatures warm, you will want to get your family and your kids outside. While hiking may not seem specifically Easter-related, it is a great time to explore God’s beautiful creation here in western North Carolina. You might combine a hike with a devotional time that includes Scripture, singing hymns, and prayer.
4) Fast from Something Together for Lent
Lent is an opportunity to practice fasting with your young children. You may choose to forgo the same item together as a family, such as social media or screen time. Replace the time you would spend on screens with prayer or your family devotion.
5) Remember Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday, the final Thursday before Easter, commemorates Jesus’ Last Supper when he washed the Disciples’ feet and announced his betrayal. If you cannot gather with your church, at the very least, remind yourself and your children of the importance of this day in Jesus’ story.
6) Attend Sunrise Service In-Person or Online
It was about dawn that the women and disciples began discovering Jesus had risen from the grave. There are sunrise services throughout western North Carolina, reminding us of that glorious morning and how it forever changed the world. Since they often take place outdoors, there may be socially distant sunrise services in your area that you can attend safely. If you cannot find one or are not comfortable gathering with a crowd, consider creating your own sunrise service for your family or find one online. You might sing a few of the songs or hymns on this list and read one of the resurrection narratives in the gospels. You can also read 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; 50-58.
7) Emphasize the Risen Christ
There are countless other ways you can celebrate Easter this year. You can decorate eggs, make Easter baskets, and even set up an Easter egg hunt for your immediate family. However, you plan to celebrate Easter this year, make sure you emphasize the risen Christ. Because He is alive, all who believe have hope in the assurance of eternal life. At Haywood Christian Academy, we want you and your family to have a wonderful Easter. Contact us if you would like to know more about how we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection throughout the year.