This year my husband made a large wooden cross with the boys during the season of Lent.
On Good Friday he talked to them about how Jesus was nailed to the cross and about His immense love for us. He took out 3 nails, let the boys look at them and hold them, and gave them a little poke on each of their hands and feet (don't worry...it was just a small poke) so that they would understand that it HURT Jesus. Then, they nailed 3 nails into the cross.
On Holy Saturday, we placed a cloth on the cross.
And on Easter Sunday, we began to decorate the cross with beautiful signs of life (i.e. paper flowers, butterflies, ladybugs, bees, etc) to celebrate Jesus' Resurrection.
It is now our Resurrection Cross and we have placed it in a prominent place in our living room, to remind us of Christ's love for us, and His victory over sin and death.
It is such a joy to listen to the boys as they tell everyone who comes to visit about their "Easter/Resurrection cross". They'll say things like,"Jesus is not dead anymore","Jesus got on the cross because He loves us so, so much", and "Jesus is risen and His boo boos don't hurt Him anymore". Precious.
Here are a few pictures...
Good Friday Cross
Holy Saturday Cross
Easter Sunday!!! - Resurrection Cross
Note: I have to give partial credit to Kimberlee and Dana for the inspiration behind this project (...the rest was Divinely inspired). Thank you for your beautiful ideas!
Lift High The Cross
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim,
Till all the world adore His sacred Name.
Till all the world adore His sacred Name.
Led on their way by this triumphant sign,
The hosts of God in conquering ranks combine.
The hosts of God in conquering ranks combine.
Each newborn servant of the Crucified
Bears on the brow the seal of Him Who died.
Bears on the brow the seal of Him Who died.
O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree,
As Thou hast promised, draw the world to Thee.
As Thou hast promised, draw the world to Thee.
So shall our song of triumph ever be:
Praise to the Crucified for victory.
Praise to the Crucified for victory.
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim,
Till all the world adore His sacred Name.
Till all the world adore His sacred Name.
Words: George W. Kitchin; modified by Michael R. Newbolt in 1916.
Music: Crucifer, Sydney H. Nicholson, 1916
this is a lovely tradition!
ReplyDeletedo you have any plans for the cross, outside of lent?
Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWe don't have any plans for this specific cross outside of Lent/Easter (yet! I'd love some ideas!) but my husband and I discussed and have decided on making a new cross each year with our littles.