3 Simple Ways to Prepare Your Heart and Home for Easter

3 SIMPLE WAYS TO PREPARE

YOUR HEART AND HOME THIS EASTER

Preparing for Easter can help you experience the most out of this special day. For the last two thousand years, Christians have considered resurrection Sunday the crucial event that solidified their faith in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul said, "If Christ had not been raised from the dead, then all of our preaching and faith would be in vain." (I Cor. 15:14). If we want to get the most out of Easter, we must first understand it's meaning and then seek to be intentional to experience it. Here are three simple ways your family can prepare for Easter.

1. Set aside time for God’s Word.  

God's word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. (Ps. 119:105 ) In this journey of life, you need God's word, God's spirit, and God's people. Let's start with God's Word. It's never too late to open your Bible. You can look to any of the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and find the account of the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Choose a time and place within your home where you can get away to get together. Get away from the distractions of cell phones and TV. Please turn off the laptop, sit down, perhaps with a nice cup of coffee, and tell the kids we will do a devotional for the next 15 to 20 minutes. On Good Friday, our Lord was crucified. On Easter Sunday, our Lord was raised from the dead. You could pick some appropriate passages for your kids and family to read or read them yourself as a father or mother. Be sure to go slow and explain a few things along the way if need be. Leave time for discussion, and be sure to ask probing questions.

2. Set aside time for God’s Spirit.

The Bible tells us to be filled with God's Spirit, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs among ourselves, and make music to the Lord in our hearts. In doing so, we are fellowshipping and filling ourselves with more of the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives. (Eph. 5:19). As a Christian, you need more of the Holy Spirit. I believe God's spirit dwells with you richly as you worship Jesus. (Col. 3:16) You may want to listen to some old hymns. Many of those songs are filled with profound theological truths that center around the cross of Christ and the empty tomb. Maybe you want to listen to some of the modern worship songs too? Choose some of your favorites, and listen and sing in the car with your kids. Talk about the lyrics within the songs and the meaning they hold in your heart. You may want a journal about God's love and grace that you've experienced due to Jesus' great sacrifice for your sins. It's vital to warm the heart up before entering church services, if possible. You can do this by listening to worship music and preparing your heart and mind before a Good Friday church service or Easter service.  

3. Set aside time to be with God’s People.  

The Bible tells us not to give up meeting together as some people are in the habit of doing. (Heb. 12:2) Easter services tend to draw more people than any other church service in the calendar year. It’s a tremendous opportunity for you and your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors to all set aside your differences and worship Jesus Christ. There's no more extraordinary place to find God's grace and truth than a local church that preaches the Bible and exalts Jesus Christ as Lord. Good Friday service should highlight the death of Jesus Christ and it's meaning. In contrast, Easter Sunday should highlight the resurrection of Jesus Christ and its implications for all people.

If you’ve found this article helpful. Share with a friend or post on a feed. Hope you, your family and friends experience God’s grace and truth in a fresh new way this Easter.