Focus on the Family’s magazines always have great seasonal activities for families (plus, tons of great articles inside!). This month they had a whole week of Easter/Resurrection crafts and activities to do with your kids. We picked one of them to do yesterday–first we read 1 Peter 1:18-19,
The blood of Christ set you free from an empty way of life. That way of life was handed down to you by your own people long ago. You know that you were not bought with things that can pass away, like silver or gold. Instead, you were bought by the priceless blood of Christ. He is a perfect lamb. He doesn’t have any flaws at all.
Lydia and Asa are waaay into Jesus being the Lamb of God. We got that whole thing solidified at Christmas! Their favorite Christmas song says, “Yoooou are the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the wooorld!”. So, to build on the Lamb of God born in Bethlehem and add the spotless, sinless Passover Lamb was really cool.
After reading and talking about the verse we got some white carnations and put them in a vase. We looked at them and noticed how “spotless” and perfect they were. We compared the flowers to Jesus’ perfection.
Then we put some red food coloring into the water. I explained that in a few days the flowers would soak up the red dye and their petals would no longer be spotless-but covered with red dye. Just like Jesus took our sin on himself while He was on the cross.
The flowers have been sitting on our mantle for about a day now–still no red in the petals. But I’m waiting! I’m pretty sure they’ll show up soon! Regardless, the kids had a good time talking about spotless versus spotted and perfect versus sinful. And soon, it will be an awesome visual of what Jesus took upon Himself–for us!
Jamie says
Wow! What a fantastic idea! I’m definitely going to do this with our kids. Thanks for the info for the free magazine. I just went and subscribed.
Becky says
What a great idea! My mom used to do this with Queen Anns lace flowers- and I remember always being amazed.
Sheila says
Thanks for those links. I’ll ask my hubby if he’d like to do some foot washing tonight with our boys! 🙂
ohamanda says
Don’t you love that idea? I’m going to do it one day!
Ann says
Thanks for mentioning that free magazine offer. I subscribed and used “impressyourkids” as the marketing code when asked. Maybe someone there will figure out that you gave them some subscribers.
I really appreciate being able to pass on your ideas to the families in our small group. Thanks for continuing to build this resource for us.
ohamanda says
Aw, thanks for mentioning us! 🙂
Staci Brown says
….and it’s a great science experiment 🙂
Bethany says
Do you remember how long it took for the red to absorb? Last year I tried it on Good Friday, but three days was not long enough…