Rediscovering the True Meaning of Easter: A Resurrection Egg Journey
Spoiler Alert! As you explore this blog, you'll find a fun and meaningful Easter activity that you can customize for your family!
Breaking Free from Cultural Distractions
Over time, we have become accustomed to American traditions that often pull us away from the true meaning of the holidays. In a world consumed by marketing, where more is seen as better, we can easily lose sight of why we celebrate at all. Easter, for many, has become about pastel-colored baskets, chocolate bunnies, and egg hunts—fun memories, yes, but far from the ultimate sacrifice we should be honoring.
April is when we traditionally celebrate Christ’s resurrection, but historical and biblical research suggests this may not have been the actual timing of His crucifixion and resurrection. Many scholars believe Jesus’ death and resurrection aligned with the Jewish Passover, which follows the Hebrew calendar rather than our modern Gregorian calendar. Passover typically falls in March or April, depending on the lunar cycle. Some argue that Jesus’ crucifixion occurred on a Wednesday or Thursday rather than the commonly accepted Friday, aligning with the prophecy of Him being in the grave for “three days and three nights” (Matthew 12:40). Understanding the historical context deepens our appreciation for the significance of His sacrifice and resurrection.
Easter’s Pagan Influences
Like many Christian holidays, Easter has been intertwined with pagan traditions over centuries. The name "Easter" itself is believed to have originated from Eostre, an ancient fertility goddess associated with spring and renewal. The symbols we commonly associate with Easter—bunnies, eggs, and new life—stem from fertility rites rather than biblical foundations. While these customs have been adapted to fit Christian celebrations, they often overshadow the true reason for our rejoicing: the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which conquered sin and death.
As a parent, I constantly battle with my flesh—the desire for my children to experience every joy of childhood, to never feel left out or deprived of cherished memories. But even more than that, I want to raise them with hearts set on Christ. We are called to live differently, to challenge ourselves daily, and to be a light in this world. It is a choice: to follow Him or to give in to temptation. I want my children to know that they don’t have to conform to social norms but can stand firm in their faith, shining brighter for Christ than I ever have.
We cannot take our worldly possessions with us, but we can bring our children into heaven.-atleast that's one of my biggest prayers. The Bible calls us to “train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Like arrows in the hands of a warrior, our children are meant to be sharpened, guided, and sent out with purpose (Psalm 127:3-5). My mission as a parent is not just to give them a good life here but to equip them for eternity.
A Resurrection-Centered Easter
As I began researching ways to refocus our Easter celebrations on Christ, I wanted to share what I’ve learned in case other families feel the same calling. I came across the idea of Resurrection Eggs and knew it would be a wonderful tradition for our family this year. It still gives my children the excitement of a surprise, but instead of their joy revolving around the idea of a bunny delivering eggs and a basket—or, as my kids like to say, a bunny that poops out eggs (I have no idea where they got that, but hey, I’ll roll with it)—this tradition redirects their joy toward Christ. Each egg reveals a piece of His story, leading them to celebrate the greatest gift of all—everlasting life in His kingdom.
As a parent, I am still battling my flesh when it comes to the fear of my children being “without,” and as I write this, I realize how sinful that is. I am casting my own sin onto my children instead of empowering them to be mindful of their own fleshly desires. With that truth out there, I do believe this is a great stepping stone for us—a way to shift our focus while still getting them excited about the story of Christ.
I want my children to look forward not just to earthly treasures but to the eternal joy of one day laying their crowns at His feet, as it says in Revelation 4:10-11:
"They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, ‘Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.’"
This Easter, my hope is to cultivate in their hearts a true, lasting joy—the kind that comes from knowing and following Christ.
Resurrection Egg section
Here are my ideas—some I’ve gathered from others, but I’ve adjusted them to fit what I feel is best for our family. My plan is to give each child a clear egg filled with meaningful items and Scripture verses, incorporating this into our daily routine for 12 days. Each day will be a small celebration of Christ, keeping our focus on His sacrifice and resurrection.
I encourage you to take these ideas and tailor them to what works best for your family. I’ve chosen verses that directly tie to each event and object, keeping them concise and meaningful for children. I used the English Standard Version (ESV) for clarity, but feel free to use your preferred translation. The verses are included with each egg’s description, so you can read them aloud or reference them as you go.
For younger children, consider reading a short portion of the verse (such as "He has risen!" for Egg 12 – Matthew 28:6) and briefly explaining its meaning. Older kids can read the full verse and discuss it in more depth. To make it interactive, print out the verses and place them inside the eggs. Encourage your children to carry their verse in their pocket throughout the day. At random moments, activate a “Verse Challenge,” prompting them to pull out their verse and read it aloud. (We got this great idea from our Pastor one Sunday) This transforms Scripture memorization into a fun and engaging experience while keeping their focus on the true meaning of Easter. This verse has come to mind when writing this: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).
Egg 1: Donkey or Palm Leaf
Object: A small toy donkey or a piece of green paper/leaf for palm branches.
Story: Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, and people welcomed Him like a king. They waved palm branches and shouted “Hosanna!” because they were excited. This is called Palm Sunday.
Bible Verse: Matthew 21:9 – “And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!’”
Why It Matters: It’s the start of the week leading to the cross, showing Jesus as the honored King.
Egg 2: Coins (Silver Pieces)
Object: Three small coins (like dimes or plastic coins) for 30 pieces of silver.
Story: Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples, betrayed Him. The leaders paid Judas 30 silver coins to tell them where Jesus was so they could arrest Him.
Bible Verse: Matthew 26:14-15 – “Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?’ And they paid him thirty pieces of silver.”
Why It Matters: Judas’ betrayal started the chain of events leading to Jesus’ death.
Egg 3: Bread or Cup
Object: A tiny piece of bread (like a cracker bit) or a small toy cup.
Story: At the Last Supper, Jesus shared bread and a cup with His disciples. He said it was a way to remember Him because He’d die soon for them.
Bible Verse: Luke 22:19 – “And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’”
Why It Matters: It’s a moment of love and preparation for what Jesus was about to do.
Egg 4: Praying Hands
Object: A small figurine of folded hands (or draw some on paper).
Story: Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. He was sad and asked God if there was another way, but He agreed to die for us.
Bible Verse: Matthew 26:39 – “And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.’”
Why It Matters: It shows Jesus choosing to obey God, even when it was tough.
Egg 5: Whip or Leather Strip
Object: A small piece of string or leather (like a shoelace scrap) for a whip. Or a small bracelet to wear.
Story: After His arrest, soldiers whipped Jesus and hurt Him badly, even though He was innocent.
Bible Verse: John 19:1 – “Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him.”
Why It Matters: This shows the pain Jesus endured for us.
Egg 6: Crown of Thorns
Object: A tiny crown made from twigs or pipe cleaners. Or supplies to make a crown.
Story: The soldiers mocked Jesus by making a thorny crown and putting it on His head, calling Him a fake king.
Bible Verse: Matthew 27:29 – “And twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’”
Why It Matters: They tried to shame Him, but Jesus took it for our sake.
Egg 7: Nails
Object: A couple of small nails (or draw them for safety). Letting them feel the sharp points can make a big impact.
Story: They nailed Jesus to a cross through His hands and feet. He stayed there, suffering, until He died.
Bible Verse: John 19:18 – “There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them.”
Why It Matters: His death on the cross was the sacrifice for our sins.
Egg 8: Dice
Object: A tiny die (like from a board game).
Story: While Jesus was on the cross, soldiers cast lots for His clothes, not caring about Him.
Bible Verse: John 19:23-24 – “When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments… and said to one another, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.’”
Why It Matters: It shows how some ignored Jesus’ true importance.
Egg 9: Sponge
Object: A small piece of sponge or cotton ball.
Story: Jesus said He was thirsty on the cross. They gave Him sour vinegar on a sponge, and then He said, “It is finished,” and died.
Bible Verse: John 19:28-30 – “After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said…, ‘I thirst.’ … When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
Why It Matters: His death completed the plan to save us.
Egg 10: Spices
Object: A few whole cloves or a pinch of spice (wrapped if loose).
Story: After Jesus died, His friends wrapped His body with spices and cloth and put Him in a tomb, closing it with a big stone.
Bible Verse: Luke 23:55-56 – “The women… saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments.”
Why It Matters: It looked like the end, but it was just the beginning.
Egg 11: Stone
Object: A small pebble or rock. Or supplies to make a little resurrection garden- you can find this idea on Pinterest.
Story: The tomb was sealed with a huge stone, and guards watched it. Everyone thought Jesus was gone forever.
Bible Verse: Matthew 27:66 – “So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.”
Why It Matters: The stone set the stage for the big surprise.
Egg 12: Empty Egg
Object: Nothing—just leave it empty!- Letting them know they have been given the BEST gift of all.
Story: Three days later, women found the tomb empty! The stone was rolled away, and an angel said, “He is risen!” Jesus was alive again.
Bible Verse: Matthew 28:5-6 – “But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.’”
Why It Matters: Jesus’ resurrection is the heart of Easter—He beat death for us!
Tips for Using the Verses
Keep It Simple: For younger children, consider reading a short portion of the verse (such as “He has risen” for Egg 12) and briefly explaining its meaning. Older kids can read the full verse and discuss it in more depth. You can print out the verses and place them inside the eggs. Throughout the day, encourage your children to keep their verse in their pocket. At random moments, activate a “Verse Challenge,” prompting them to pull out their verse and read it aloud. This turns learning into a fun and engaging game while helping them memorize the story of Jesus.
Make It Interactive: Let them hold the egg while you read the verse, or ask them what they think it means.
Timing: You can do one egg a day for 12 days before Easter (starting mid-March this year, since Easter Sunday 2025 is April 20), or do them all together on Good Friday or Easter weekend.
A Call to Parents
At the end of the day, we all have a choice: will we let the world define how we celebrate, or will we challenge ourselves to make Christ the center? Easter is not just another holiday; it is a declaration of hope, redemption, and victory over sin. My prayer is that as parents, we choose to lead our children in truth, showing them that our greatest treasure is not in baskets of candy but in the empty tomb of our risen Savior.
Let’s raise up arrows (Psalm 127:3-5)—children who stand firm in their faith, unwavering in the truth, and bold in their love for Christ. May they know that Jesus is not just a story in a book, but the living Savior who transforms hearts and changes everything.
Resurrection Eggs – Bible Verses (For you to Easily Print)
Egg 1: Donkey or Palm Leaf
📖 Matthew 21:9 – “And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!’”
Egg 2: Coins (Silver Pieces)
📖 Matthew 26:14-15 – “Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?’ And they paid him thirty pieces of silver.”
Egg 3: Bread or Cup
📖 Luke 22:19 – “And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’”
Egg 4: Praying Hands
📖 Matthew 26:39 – “And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.’”
Egg 5: Whip or Leather Strip
📖 John 19:1 – “Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him.”
Egg 6: Crown of Thorns
📖 Matthew 27:29 – “And twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’”
Egg 7: Nails
📖 John 19:18 – “There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them.”
Egg 8: Dice
📖 John 19:23-24 – “When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments… and said to one another, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.’”
Egg 9: Sponge
📖 John 19:28-30 – “After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said…, ‘I thirst.’ … When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
Egg 10: Spices
📖 Luke 23:55-56 – “The women… saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments.”
Egg 11: Stone
📖 Matthew 27:66 – “So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.”
Egg 12: Empty Egg
📖 Matthew 28:5-6 – “But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.’”