Remember the Cross
We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power,and the wonders he has done. Psalm 78:4
Teach them to your children and your children’s children. In all the traditions, the holidays throughout the year, we need to remember that Jesus died for us to live in freedom from bondage. Both eternally, and here on earth.
As I share this family tradition that we have done over the past 14 years, I want you to know my heart is NOT to make you feel pressure to do one more thing during Easter.
This project, making a Resurrection Cross, was out of a desire to simplify. To combine, a hands-on project with the gospel, and to help us to keep the focus on Jesus throughout the season.
We chose to eliminate the pressure of doing a bunch of other cultural traditions, like the Easter Bunny, and replace it with something more focused on Christ. We did this not in judgment of those who choose to do the Easter Bunny, but simply out of a conviction that we couldn’t do it all.
I was exhausted and just couldn’t keep up with the Jones’ and didn’t desire to. Also, we felt a strong conviction to be more intentional, spend less, and focus more where it mattered most.
In the Biblical days, when someone had a spiritual milestone experience with God, they built altars made of stone, to remember. When they would come upon these altars, they would be reminded of God’s faithfulness, or whatever attribute He revealed to them about His own character. Then the men of old were inspired to tell stories to the next generation to remember and honor God. To pass on from one generation to another, a faith in God that cannot be thwarted. A Legacy of Faith.
Today we do not build altars, we have no need. But today we are in need of remembering.
Remembering the sacrifice the Father made for us and the suffering the Son endured for us.
He is Risen!
He is Risen Indeed!
Hosanna in the Highest!
Death has been conquered! We have been redeemed!
Jesus Rose From the Tomb and Now Sits at the Right Hand of God the Father Almighty!
This can be an enriching season for us all spiritually, but for my children, as they get older, what legacy do I want them to leave with?
My heart’s desire is that they feel the freedom to be creative, as He made us creative in His image, to create their own family traditions! But more than anything I also pray that their heart would be focused on what is MOST important. Teaching the love of Jesus to their children. That they might know Him and have a deep relationship with Him.
Traditions are just one small opportunity to impress God’s truths into our children, but they are not the only way!
So, here is one of our family’s traditions:
Austin, age 6, making a cross for Resurrection Sunday out of our old Christmas tree!
Every year the boys take turns working on creating the Resurrection Cross to help remind us of the sacrifice and triumph of our Lord and Savior.
The resurrection cross is a great way to recycle your Christmas tree, and a fantastic project for both boys or girls, but my boys tend to be eager to do this over making unleavened bread for our Messianic Seder/Passover!
2011 was Drew’s first year, he was 5-years-old. He was so excited to saw off every branch, sand it down, bind it together with twine and nails and then carrying it into the house. He truly surprised me. His focus and determination to get the job done, even in the rain, was inspirational. So if you have a young child, don’t limit them. You might be surprised what they can accomplish with a little guidance, help, and belief!
What family rituals or Easter traditions do you embrace every year to teach and remember the sacrifice and resurrection of our Redeemer?
May God Deeply and richly bless your family with all sorts of spiritual blessings as you seek to remember Him.
This post was originally posted on April 4, 2010, and has been refreshed! Feel free to share via FB, twitter, or Pinterest below! It would bless us to know that others are joining us in this endeavor to be purposefully focused on Christ during the Easter season in this simple way.
Redeemed in the Journey,
Angie
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