As we enter Easter weekend, I’m reminded of the true meaning of the holiday. Growing up, the Easter bunny came on Saturday, and Easter Sunday was all about church. Of course, there was always an Easter dress to wear, but we recognized that Easter was a religious holiday not to be confused with baskets filled with plastic grass, colored eggs, and tiny treats and treasures that fit into colorful plastic eggs.
As I have gotten older, I have done several things to prepare for Easter. Hopefully, these suggestions will help you build your testimony of the true meaning of Easter:
Singing or Listening to Easter Hymns
I love the Easter hymns, and am rather sad that they only get sung about once a year. They’re so triumphant and hopeful, that I wish we paid more attention to them throughout the year.
Listening to General Conference
I love it when General Conference falls on Easter. It’s like the epitome of spiritual edification. The Sunday sessions are bound to be filled with stories of Christ’s life, his divinity, and his resurrection.
Reading the Scriptural Accounts of Jesus’ Last Week
So many marvelous things happened in Jesus’ last week. And it feels amazing to follow His steps as He eats the last supper, teaches His disciples some of the most poignant lessons in the New Testament, and then sacrifices His life for each of us.
Reading from Jesus the Christ
If you’re a fan of language and don’t mind using a dictionary occasionally, I highly recommend reading several chapters from this book on Easter. Similar to reading the scriptural accounts, this book tells the same story but from a more analytical viewpoint. Talmage combines all the New Testament accounts and weaves the story using beautiful language and skill that almost makes you feel as though you were a few steps behind the Savior.
While these are merely suggestions, they’ve helped me make Easter special throughout the years. What other ways have you found to prepare yourself and your family for Easter? What traditions have you started to teach your family to separate Jesus from the Easter bunny?