Historically Speaking...
If you asked a Muslim where his leader Mohammed is, he would tell you he's dead in his grave.
If you asked a Buddhist where his leader Buddha is, he would tell you he's dead in his grave. If you asked a Hindu where his leader Vedas is, he would tell you he's dead in his grave. But ask a Christian where his leader Christ Jesus is, and he will tell you he is alive! His grave is empty! He sits at the right hand of God the Father, he is preparing a place for his followers, he intercedes for his people before the Throne, and he will come again to earth! There is nothing to compare to that One Solitary Life! One Solitary Life He was born in an obscure village. He worked in a carpenter shop until he was thirty. He then became an itinerant preacher. He never held office. He never had a family or owned a house. He didn't go to college. He had no credentials but himself. He was only thirty-three when the public turned against him. Nineteen centuries have come and gone, and today he is the central figure of the human race. All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned have not affected the life of man on this earth as much as that One Solitary Life |
The One Who Defines, Dominates
Passover (also, called Pesach)= a Jewish holiday beginning on the 14th of Nisan and commemorating the Hebrews' liberation from slavery in Egypt Resurrection : the event told about in the Bible in which Jesus Christ returned to life after his death Equinox = a day that occurs twice a year, when the daylight and nighttime hours about equal in duration. Astronomy = the scientific study of stars, planets, and other objects in outer space Astrology = the study of how the positions of the stars and movements of the planets have a supposed influence on events and on the lives and behavior of people Pagan =one who has little or no religion and who delights in sensual pleasures and material goods Paschal = 1. Easter, 2. Passover http://www.merriam-webster.com 
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfpOvM5OcuY Music to read by - Relaxing Hymns |
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Where to find the
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Matthew Mark Luke John Acts
26 14 22 13 1: 1-10 |
The essential 4 parts of the Resurrection story:
- Crucifixion - Jesus came to take the punishment for our sins.
- Resurrection - Jesus destroyed to power of death.
- Witnesses - Jesus revealed himself to many people over 40 days. A very powerful proof of existence.
- Ascension - Jesus abides in heaven, so we can have the Holy Spirit to guide us.
If the Resurrection of Jesus didn't happen...
... we wouldn't have a "Saint" Patrick, "Saint" Valentine, an Independence Day, or Thanksgiving Day to celebrate,
...Christmas would not have much meaning, other than a freak event of nature, something to debunk as a fraud,
...the nations of the world would most likely have only ruthless dictators to use and abuse their people,
...and the message of true hope and freedom for the heart and mind of mankind would only be a dream.
... we wouldn't have a "Saint" Patrick, "Saint" Valentine, an Independence Day, or Thanksgiving Day to celebrate,
...Christmas would not have much meaning, other than a freak event of nature, something to debunk as a fraud,
...the nations of the world would most likely have only ruthless dictators to use and abuse their people,
...and the message of true hope and freedom for the heart and mind of mankind would only be a dream.
Take charge of the interpretation and definition
for meaningful symbols
to teach, guide, and encourage.
The Name "Easter"
"The name "Easter" originated with the names of an ancient Goddess and God....She was the Great Mother Goddess of the Saxon people in Northern Europe. ...
An alternative explanation has been suggested. The name given by the Frankish church to Jesus' resurrection festival included the Latin word "alba" which means "white." (This was a reference to the white robes that were worn during the festival.) "Alba" also has a second meaning: "sunrise." When the name of the festival was translated into German, the "sunrise" meaning was selected in error. This became "ostern" in German. Ostern has been proposed as the origin of the word "Easter".
http://www.religioustolerance.org/easter1.htm
The Moveable Date of Easter
"In Western Christianity, Easter is always celebrated on the Sunday immediately following the Paschal Full Moon."
(Note: Paschal = Passover)
"The Paschal Full Moon can vary as much as two days from the date of the actual full moon, with dates ranging from March 21 to April 18. As a result, Easter dates can range from March 22 through April 25 in Western Christianity."
http://christianity.about.com/od/easter/qt/easter2013.htm
The Council of Nicea
http://www.livescience.com/2410-council-nicea-changed-world.html
Women and the Sunrise Service
The first witnesses, to what many people regard as the most stunning event in history, were women.
In a culture that had many restraints on females
and gave them no credibility as witnesses,
God honored those faithful women who loved and served Jesus during his ministry on earth.
Because of the time of day they arrived at the tomb that morning, many churches worldwide have sunrise services to commemorate.
The first witnesses, to what many people regard as the most stunning event in history, were women.
In a culture that had many restraints on females
and gave them no credibility as witnesses,
God honored those faithful women who loved and served Jesus during his ministry on earth.
Because of the time of day they arrived at the tomb that morning, many churches worldwide have sunrise services to commemorate.
The Lamb
Passover had the strongest link to the symbolism of the life of an innocent young male lamb, whose blood was shed so that those "covered" by the blood would be safe from death.
"The Easter Bunny (also called the Easter Rabbit or Easter Hare) is a folkloric figure and symbol of Easter, depicted as a rabbit bringing Easter eggs. Originating among German Lutherans, the "Easter Hare" originally played the role of a judge, evaluating whether children were good or disobedient in behaviour at the start of the season of Eastertide.[1] The Easter Bunny is sometimes depicted with clothes. In legend, the creature carries colored eggs in his basket, candy, and sometimes also toys to the homes of children, and as such shows similarities to Santa Claus or the Christkind, as they both bring gifts to children on the night before their respective holidays. The custom was first mentioned in Georg Franck von Franckenau's De ovis paschalibus[2] (About Easter Eggs) in 1682[3] referring to a German tradition of an Easter Hare bringing Easter eggs for the children.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter_Bunny
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter_Bunny
Easter Eggs
Though some ancient pagan rituals used the eggs as symbols
of wickedness, these same objects can be presented and used
for wholesome influences.
Eggs = the promise of new life.
The Legend of the Dogwood
There is a legend, that at the time of the Crucifixion of Jesus the dogwood had been the size of the oak and other forest trees. So firm and strong was the tree that it was chosen as the timber of the cross. To be used thus for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the tree, and Jesus, nailed upon it, sensed this, and in His gentle pity for all sorrow and suffering said to it, "Because of your regret and pity for My suffering, never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used as a cross. Hence forth it shall be slender and bent and twisted and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross..two long and two short petals. And in the center of the outer edge of each petal there will be nail prints, brown with rust and stained with red and in the center of the flower will be a crown of thorns, and all who see it will remember.
There is a legend, that at the time of the Crucifixion of Jesus the dogwood had been the size of the oak and other forest trees. So firm and strong was the tree that it was chosen as the timber of the cross. To be used thus for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the tree, and Jesus, nailed upon it, sensed this, and in His gentle pity for all sorrow and suffering said to it, "Because of your regret and pity for My suffering, never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used as a cross. Hence forth it shall be slender and bent and twisted and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross..two long and two short petals. And in the center of the outer edge of each petal there will be nail prints, brown with rust and stained with red and in the center of the flower will be a crown of thorns, and all who see it will remember.
Easter Lilies
The large, white, trumpet-shaped flowers and wonderful fragrance are a traditional Easter time decor.
The flower's trumpet shape is a reminder of the heralding of Jesus, returning triumphant to Jerusalem.
According to Biblical scholars, the Easter Lily was found growing in the Garden of Gethsemane. Legend tells that white lilies miraculously sprung up from the ground where drops of Jesus' sweat and tears fell during his last hours.
The large, white, trumpet-shaped flowers and wonderful fragrance are a traditional Easter time decor.
The flower's trumpet shape is a reminder of the heralding of Jesus, returning triumphant to Jerusalem.
According to Biblical scholars, the Easter Lily was found growing in the Garden of Gethsemane. Legend tells that white lilies miraculously sprung up from the ground where drops of Jesus' sweat and tears fell during his last hours.
Red Tulips
In Germany the red tulips are used during the Easter celebration to symbolize the drops of blood that Jesus shed as he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane as well as on the cross.
Yellow Daffodils
Bright yellow, trumpet-shaped daffodils are a symbol of Jesus's resurrection from death, as a new flower will grow from a dead bulb. In Germany, daffodils are also referred to as "Osterglocken" or "Easter bells." In England, daffodils are nicknamed "Lenten lilies."
http://www.ehow.com/list_7567606_traditional-easter-flowers.html
Butterflies
The butterfly symbolizes change, rebirth, renewal.
Its transformation can serve as a teaching tool and a cheerful decoration.
The History Channel gives a 3 minute "lesson" on the symbols behind modern Easter celebrations.
http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/easter-symbols
Bible Gateway has devotional material online.
You can sign up to have it sent to your email, which begins in Lent and leads up to Easter.
Each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday through Lent (and on select special days throughout), you'll receive an email with Easter-themed Scripture, prayers, and/or other devotional reflections.
The first devotional is March 6, 2015.
https://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/bible-gateway-lent-devotional/2015/04/01
Gateways to Better Education has published unique materials that open the eyes of educators regarding what the law actually says they can do in the classroom to commemorate religious holidays.
The information is packaged in non-threatening holiday cards for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter."
http://www.gtbe.org/holidayrestoration/
A Few Sense-able Ideas
Go to Pinterest site "Holidays With Honor" for more ideas.
See-able
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In His Shoes: The Life of Jesus by Troy E. Schmidt Documentary of the end of Jesus' life filmed in Bethlehem https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=J-IvrMAy27Q about 12 mins. 
Children's version......... The Jesus Movie Trailer: "Experience the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ Based on the art style of the Read and Share® Bible, The Jesus Movie transports children to Nazareth for the story of Jesus' birth, follows his life and miracles along the shores of Lake Galilee and ends in Jerusalem with his arrest, crucifixion and resurrection—all in one dramatic 80-minute movie. The excitement and joy of Jesus' life, the danger and conflict with the Pharisees, the challenge and growth of the disciples—it's all here in a simple, straightforward narrative. Real actors https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfG2DLbX1Ww |
The Son of God Major motion picture presented in 2014 The Bible, HBO miniseries on YouTube or Resurrection, Where the Passion Ends, Resurrection Begins Based on a story by Max Lucado Real actors portray a story in Jerusalem at the time of the crucifixion. The Easter Storykeepers
2D Animation |
Greatest Heroes and Legends of the Bible: The Last Supper, Crucifixion, and Resurrection 2D Animation Nest Learning presents: The Passion Trilogy 2D Animation For a preview of
The Greatest Adventure - Stories From The Bible- The Easter Story, Part 1 2D Animation and a red-headed Jesus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0FS-GaGEak&list=PLDF91875EF7ED7D99 The "adult" version of the sacrifice of Christ Jesus. Excerpts from "The Passion of Christ" in which a group incorporated Scripture verses. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RIeZITNOQA |
Hear-able
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Books....
The First Easter Ever Zondervan / 2015 / Paperback This retelling of the Easter story is perfect for little hearts, hands, and minds. With vibrant artwork, The First Easter Ever will captivate young readers as they discover the resurrection of Jesus, and just how important it is. Easter--Activity Book (ages 8 to 12) Warner Press / Paperback This Easter activity book for ages 8-12 offers crossword puzzles, word searches, codebreakers and mazes, along with scriptures to help kids learn about the love God has for them and the great sacrifice Jesus made for them and for all of us. Easter Sticker Book By: Karen Williamson Candle Books / 2013 / Paperback Fun and creative, kids can discover the Easter story as they decorate each page with stickers! Simply retold for young children, this story briefly explains to kids the Holy Week leading up to Jesus' arrest, crucifixion, and Resurrection. Includes four pages of stickers to help illustrate the story. http://www.christianbook.com/page/easter/easter-for-kids/easter-books-for-kids?event=Easter |
Resources for Listening....
Adventures In Odyssey High quality audio plays by Focus on the Family provide hours of entertainment (and pain-free education). The Imagination Station, Part 1 and 2 Album: AIO - 05: Daring Deeds, Sinister Schemes Episode: 066 Lesson/Theme: The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Bible Verse: Mark 11:1-10;14:12-16:13 Description: With the help of Whit's new invention, young Digger Digwillow travels back in time to witness the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. http://www.whitsend.org/albums/05-daring-deeds-sinister-schemes/066-the-imagination-station-1-of-2.aspx Picture used with permission from Focus on the Family. |
Radio Programs
Secrets from the Garden
Air Date on Moody Radio, April 20, 2014
For many Christians, Gethsemane is a brief rest stop on the way to the main story—the cross. But there are critical questions that demand explanation, which are revealed through interviews and sounds from Israel, combined with dramatic vignettes and original music score to paint a dramatic Easter landscape.
http://www.moodyradio.org/specials/secrets-from-the-garden/
Picture and blog spot: http://kateandkuby.blogspot.com/2010/06/yesterday-we-started-day-at-mt.html
Secrets from the Garden
Air Date on Moody Radio, April 20, 2014
For many Christians, Gethsemane is a brief rest stop on the way to the main story—the cross. But there are critical questions that demand explanation, which are revealed through interviews and sounds from Israel, combined with dramatic vignettes and original music score to paint a dramatic Easter landscape.
http://www.moodyradio.org/specials/secrets-from-the-garden/
Picture and blog spot: http://kateandkuby.blogspot.com/2010/06/yesterday-we-started-day-at-mt.html
Taste-able and Smell-able
To find out the origin of many of the practices of the Easter holiday, check out this site: Easter foods: history & symbolism http://www.foodtimeline.org/easter.html 
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Hot Cross Buns and Other Easter Breads
A traditional Easter morning treat is a special bread. Jesus said, "I am the bread of life." He proclaims to sustain and nourishes his people. The cross on the top, of course reminds the guests of his sacrifice. Other traditional Easter breads from other countries..... " Kolach is a traditional Czech bread made at Christmas in the shape of a ring. Usually, three rings are stack on top of each other to represent the Holy Trinity. Ukrainian Easter Bread is called Paska, which is a rich, white bread decorated on the top with symbols, including crosses, flowers, braids, wheat, or other designs representing aspects of Orthodox and Eastern Catholic faith. Babka is also a Ukrainian, Polish and Belarusian bread also made at Easter. Rather than being broad and round, like Paska, Babka typically is tall and cylindrical. It frequently contains raisins, may be iced on top, and is much sweeter than Paska. Babka usually is only made, like Paska, to celebrate Easter Sunday and the rising of Christ. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter_bread |
Do-able
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Making an Advent Calendar for Easter
To keep the focus on events leading up to the Resurrection, try making or using an advent calendar. http://www.catholicicing.com/printable-easter-countdown-calendar/ Helpful Links: Be a Fun Mum page has some useful links that may assist you in telling the Easter story to children.
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What about volunteering with a Food Bank or The Christian Service Center? |
Charity / Food Bank
Bread of Life Fellowship is located in Ocoee, FL and runs a food drive for about a month before Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter from the Publix grocery stores in the area. Shoppers can buy a variety of meals, pre-selected and priced. Those meal combinations, plus day-old bakery goods and paper goods are packaged for distribution to families in need the night before the holiday. This group welcomes all who can volunteer their time to pack on the evenings before and distribution the day of each holiday. Great activity to do as a family or group! http://www.breadoflifefellowship.com/ |
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" Anything that refreshes you |
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