Easter is one of the most important holidays for Christian families. The resurrection of Jesus changed the world. In fact, it is still changing the world. Churches gather on Sundays, the first day of the week, because it corresponds with the morning Jesus rose from the grave. Every time we gather to worship, we are honoring the moment he passed from death to life. However, on Easter, we put particular emphasis on the miracle of His resurrection. 

While Christmas is considered more of a travel holiday, Easter can still be a time when extended families traditionally gather together. Much like the Advent season, there are often family traditions associated with Easter Sunday and Easter Weekend that may not necessarily emphasize Jesus’ resurrection. While those traditions are vital and special, many Waynesville and Haywood County families want to make sure they are properly emphasizing Jesus’ resurrection as well. Here are seven ways we recommend celebrating Easter with your family. 

5 Quick Tips for Celebrating Easter with Your Family in Western North Carolina

1) Family Devotional

You can find a devotional online or create your own for your family. The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones does a great job emphasizing how Jesus’ death and resurrection are the apex of the narrative told in Scripture. 

2) Sing Easter Hymns 

Like Christmas, there are several hymns and worship songs connected to Easter. Here are just a few to sing as a family:

• 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

3) Fast from Screens for Lent

As a family, you can fast from social media and screen time during the Lenten season. Replace the time you would spend on those activities with prayer and Scripture reading. 

4) Find a Sunrise Service

There are typically outdoor sunrise services throughout Haywood County. This is a good way to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection while practicing social distancing. You may also find sunrise services online.

5) Emphasize Jesus’ Resurrection

While you may do many crafts and Easter activities, make sure you are emphasizing Jesus’ death and resurrection throughout the season. 

At Haywood Christian Academy, we emphasize the importance of the Gospel and Christ’s resurrection throughout the school year. We are committed to making sure our students hear about the impact Jesus’ resurrection had on our world and has on our lives. If you would like to know more about how your child can become an HCA student, we would love to speak with you. Contact our office today to learn more about our Christian school in the Waynesville area.