Holy Saturday

Today should be tons of fun.  Some neighbors are gathering for a little brunch and Easter egg hunt.  Can I just say again how much we love our neighborhood?  Yes, I can.

I suspect we’ll spend the rest of the day resting, spending time as a family and preparing for the big celebration tomorrow.  Easter is almost here!

On Saturday evening, just after dinner, we whip up a batch of Resurrection Cookies.  The kids talk about these all year long.  It is such an AWESOME way to teach children about the crucifixtion using mediums they understand…food!

Resurrection Cookies

Ingredients:
1 c. whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
Pinch of salt
1 c. sugar

Supplies:
Zipper baggie
Wooden spoon
Tape
Bible
Wax paper

Preheat oven to 300 F. Place pecans in a zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces (set aside). Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3. Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11. Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 c. sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes, until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’s eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3. Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.

GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20, 22.

On Resurrection morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Resurrection Day Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.