Have you ever compared scars with someone? Children in hospitals often do this to connect, using their bodies to share stories of pain and healing. As Christians, we believe Jesus’ scars from his death remain on his resurrected body. To help children and young people in hospitals engage with this powerful mystery, we are creating … Read more
Get a FREE printable version of these instructions here Purpose:to think about what the scars on Jesus’ resurrected body mean for us Suitable for:Families familiar with the Easter story You will need:Paper, pens, pencils, paints, paper Preparation time: none Activity time: 10 – 30 minutes 1 Scar storiesAsk if anyone has a scar with a … Read more
Over the years, we’ve celebrated Easter in many creative ways. (See my mega list of ideas here!) However, some years it’s necessary or even good to pair everything back and just do something simple and meaningful, and perhaps also fun. Here’s seven simple Easter ideas: I hope that inspires you to do something simple this … Read more
I’m a huge fan of listening to stories – I listen to books myself and my children listen both individually and together when we’re in the car. I don’t feel it’s better or worse than traditional reading, and it definitely means we get more read. Let’s apply this to the Easter story: If you read … Read more
Have you seen some of the amazing Easter Garden ideas around the internet? I love these beautiful gardens, but I also love simplicity. I like it when I can create something from what I have around the house. Use your Easter garden to help visualize the story of Jesus’ burial and his resurrection. A lovely … Read more
This is a really simple activity, but it involves getting out for walk in nature first – something I highly recommend if, like us, you find people going a bit stir-crazy indoors sometimes. There’s nothing like being outdoors to help reset us! When you’re out, challenge everyone to collect FIVE similar length sticks. When you … Read more
One thing I enjoy doing are simple craft activities which link in with the Christmas story in some way, giving me an ‘in’ to chat about it both with my family, and with whoever comes into contact with the final product. Making chocolate creams is ridiculously easy, and yummy so a perfect gift for a … Read more
We’re planning to go to a carol service at the weekend, and I wondered how familiar my children would be with the songs, so I contacted the person in charge and asked what carols they would be singing. They sent me the list, saying that they hoped they wouldn’t get in trouble for sharing secrets!!! … Read more
Read through the Nativity Christmas story in four parts. Audio links included too!
I love this book! It’s the Christmas and Easter stories told by the eloquent Madeleine L’Engle illustrated with frescoes from the Scrovegni Chapel by Giotto. You can see my review of the book here, but this post is about how I’ve used the pictures and story in this book to meditate on the Christmas story … Read more
I find it interesting to look at the Christmas story and see what messages from God to the people back then are also relevant for us. It’s a little risky, as it’s possible to take Bible verses out of context when applying them to ourselves, but there are definitely some messages in the Christmas story … Read more
Wrap up 24 Christmas-y books then unwrap and read one a day during Advent. All you need to do is collect* and wrap up 24 Christmas books and number them 1—24. Open one a day and share together. I found seven Christmas books for £5.80 in three of my local charity/ secondhand book shops, so … Read more