Many of us have found ourselves with more time at home with our families than our schedules would have ever allowed before. We used to have activities every night, with homework squeezed in as we made a mad dash toward bedtime. Then we would wake up and do it all over again.
Suddenly life has been shaken, and our dinner table is a gathering place each night, filled with relaxed conversation. Margin exists for evening family walks, and, most importantly, unrushed time with the Lord.
Easter is in two weeks. And, it’s going to look different this year. There won’t be that traditional church service where everyone dresses up “because it’s Easter” and large egg hunts where kids find way too much candy and a slew of “perfect” family photos on social media.
Most of us will be in our living rooms.
Jesus will be, too.
What if this Easter, it’s about Jesus, and Jesus alone?
What if these short weeks before Easter we intentionally focused together as families on why Jesus came, and how Jesus lived, and the reason why He died?
What if this Easter, we rediscovered the hope that is ours and embrace the life He’s given us because HE IS ALIVE?
Each year, our family experiences a tradition that we call 2 Weeks 2 The Cross. When our children were very little, my husband and I determined we wanted to make the most of the time we have to pour into our family the truth of the Gospel. Christmas was always the flashy holiday, but what about Easter? Without the cross, our faith means nothing! We wanted to imprint on our children’s hearts the beauty of Christ’s sacrifice and the transformational power of the resurrection.
So for the 14 days leading up to Easter, we focus on Scripture and family activities that lead us through Passion Week, those last days before the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. It has been adapted over the years as our children grew – but the emphasis has remained the same.
We look forward to this time all year! Even with our kids now at 13 and 10 years old, when I announced 2 Weeks 2 The Cross starts tomorrow, they cheered. 🙂 Why? Because time with each other focused on Jesus matters!
Here on this blog, each day’s emphasis, Scripture passage, and potential activities are archived, so that you can take this journey with your family, too. Check out 2 Weeks 2 The Cross here.
If activities aren’t your thing, focus on the Word. Read the passages together as a family, and ask these questions:
- Who do we meet in these verses?
- What happens? Describe the events in your own words.
- How does Jesus show (that day’s theme)? For instance, how does Jesus show He wants to clean my heart on Day 2?
- Why do you think God chose for these particular events to be recorded in the Bible for us to read today?
- Pray and thank God for this Scripture and what it means for us personally.
Most of the activities are fairly simple, and you will likely have the materials you need. If not, be creative! The purpose is to spend time together as a family applying truths of God’s Word.
If two weeks seems daunting, try it! Many of us have more time than we did a month ago – put it to good use!
And, if you’d prefer focusing on a few of these leading up to Easter, here are our family favorites (though it’s very hard to choose just a few!):
- Jesus wants to clean my heart. (Jesus clears the temple.) This happens to be one of the most read and viewed blog posts on this site.
- Jesus shows me how to serve. (Jesus washed the disciples feet.)
- Jesus teaches me how to remember. (Jesus shares the Last Supper with His disciples.)
- Jesus takes my punishment. (Jesus suffers and is crucified.)
- Jesus died for me. (Jesus saves.)
- Jesus gives me new life. (Jesus is raised from the dead.)
Review these free resources, and make them your own! Adapt them to your family. The point is to experience Jesus together.
Make the most of these two weeks leading up to Easter. You may find that this Easter will be the one your family will treasure for years to come.
He is risen!
My Everyday God 