Guiding Your Kids to Celebrate Easter and Pentecost

As a Christian raising two children, I’m continually concerned about how I’m raising my children up in the Lord. I don’t want to inadvertently lead them away from Christ; instead, I want them to cherish and love God. As the Apostle Paul writes to the Ephesians, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). I want to be the kind of father that Paul describes. I want my children to know and love Jesus Christ.

Easter and Pentecost present opportunities for parents to engage their children in the life and work of Jesus.

Celebrate God’s victory over the grave

Easter Sunday is a day unlike any other in the Christian calendar because resurrection changes everything! The power of sin and death is vanquished as our crucified savior walks the streets of Jerusalem anew. As the Apostle Paul stated, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Cor. 15:17). Jesus’ resurrection is the lynchpin of our faith. We proudly declare, “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!”

Live in the assurance of hope

Jesus’ resurrection infuses our daily lives with secure hope. No longer do we have to be controlled by the fear of death because the living Christ serves as our guarantee for our own resurrection. “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Heb. 6:19). Jesus passed through the valley of the shadow of death and came out the other side, securing our passageway through death once and for all.

Flowers symbolize new life

Every Easter Sunday, members of my congregation come to worship with arms full of flowers to adorn the cross. No longer is the black fabric draped over the cross to symbolize the death of Christ on Good Friday. Now, we decorate the cross with every color and kind of flower imaginable. The gloom of death is transformed into the hope of eternal life. Do you have a cross at home that you can decorate with your children? Invite your children to pick flowers from your garden or head over to the grocery store to buy a few bouquets. Let them choose where to put each flower on the cross, and as they adorn it, tell them about the story of when the resurrected Jesus was mistaken for a gardener (John 20:11-18). I wonder what it was like for Jesus’ friends to meet him after his resurrection. What words come to your mind to describe how you might feel when you meet Jesus?

Embrace ongoing celebration

Eastertide, the fifty days following Easter Sunday, is often overlooked, yet it represents an ongoing celebration and thankfulness for Christ’s resurrection. Eastertide reflects on Jesus’ interactions with his disciples following his resurrection and preceding his ascension. Just as we need seasons like Advent and Lent to foster a sense of anticipation, we also require Eastertide to fully appreciate the joy of celebration. In our current world, there are numerous reasons to mourn and acknowledge the pain around us; however, life with Christ offers joy even in times of trouble. As noted in Psalm 23:5a, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemy.” Even when faced with difficulties, the resurrection of Jesus Christ remains our cause for joy.

Celebrate together

In this season of extended celebration, we counter the lengthy period of Lent by engaging in joyful activities. Life has prevailed, and death will not claim the final victory. One way to celebrate is by scheduling regular gatherings with your Christian friends and family. Rotate hosting duties each week, and during your meetings, dedicate time to worship through songs, scripture, and prayer. Encourage the kids to choose a hymn or share a piece of Scripture. Each time you gather, remind each other, “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!” Celebrating together always adds depth to the experience. You might even inspire your entire church community to join in this season of joy.

Unity in diversity

Pentecost signifies the arrival of God’s Holy Spirit, empowering his followers to act as Jesus’ hands and feet in the world. The Holy Spirit dwells within them, connecting them to Jesus Christ and transforming them into God’s temple. Through the Holy Spirit, God’s people bear fruit; fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Additionally, he grants unique gifts to individuals, enabling diversity among God’s people to be a source of strength as it unites various gifts of the Spirit. He brings together Christ’s diverse followers by connecting them to the One who unites heaven and earth.

Pentecost Sunday and the subsequent season provide a chance to strengthen your connection with God. For some, this may mean considering your faith practices in Jesus. Are you regularly worshiping alongside other believers? Do you prioritize meditating on God’s Word? Are you consistently spending time in prayer? Others might feel ready to try new spiritual practices, such as meeting regularly with a spiritual director or fasting from food or technology for one day each week. For parents, this season offers the opportunity to pray for our children by name and engage with them over a Bible passage each week. It’s a time to let your faith roots grow deeper in the soil of God.

Easter Sunday, Eastertide, and Pentecost are multi-faceted seasons designed to help you and your children live in light of the resurrected and ascended Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. The creative ways you can engage these seasons are nearly limitless. Take time this week to ask God for his leading and guidance as you seek God and help your children to do the same.