Preparations - Part 2

And he fasted forty days and forty nights
and afterward he was hungry...
Then the devil left him, and behold,
angels came and ministered to him.
Matt. 4:2, 11

One thing we have done for the past few years is count down the days of Lent on a chart. I usually draw it up on poster board so that it is a little different every year, but you could laminate it and reuse it. Our "theme" for the chart is traveling through the desert for 40 days with Jesus.

We have always explained to the children that through Lent, we journey with Christ in the desert and the removing of comforts leaves us unencumbered to deal with the temptations in our life. There are "oases" on the Sundays, a time to take a break from the burning heat and drink from the cool bubbling spring, but always mindful that we are still in the desert traveling towards the final destination.

A holy card depicting the Crucifixion will be added on Good Friday at noon. The tomb, which is empty now will be covered with a rock that evening only to reveal the risen Christ on Easter Sunday.The scripture above is one that we emphasize with the children all throughout Lent. At the end of our forty days through the desert with Jesus, the children have always been visited by the Easter Angels. In the past, they have left them treats; some in the shape of chicks, bunnies or sweet, gooey eggs. They are well aware that the cute baby animals we see in decorations all around are a reminder of Spring and rebirth.

The Easter Angels love to "minister" to the children with books and small games too, oh, and bubbles! Lots and lots of bubbles. Those angels must think bubbles are just the most amazing things on earth...either that or they just love to see babies clapping and chasing them until they pop. Mommy and Daddy definitely enjoy it to!