An Easter Post - Of bunnies and children and eternity

Yesterday I (or rather the Primary) put on a big brunch and Easter egg hunt for the ward.  It was great - 50 kids showed up with their families.  Everyone said it was a wonderful time.  The kids were writhing with excitement all through the brunch.  Peeking around the barriers to try to spy eggs as the rain prevented an outside hunt.  Then reveling in the finding of candy filled eggs.  Still, I feel a tug of guilt about making an official activity commemorating the most important religious event ever such a heathen activity.
(On a separate note, it is a fairly easy and quick activity - eat, quick egg hunt, clean up all done in under 2 hours.  Get in, party, get out.  I consider that a successful activity.)

I felt that I had to apologetically promise the parents that our Sunday lesson in Primary would be spiritual.  I promise, Bishop, I promise, parents - the children of this ward do know the true reason we celebrate Easter!  And tomorrow they will remember once more!

Today for sharing time I brought a big box with a bow on it and discussed the gifts our Heavenly Father has given us.  I told them the story of their lives.  How excited they were in Heaven to come to Earth and get a body (remember that next time you stub your toe).  I reminded them that when Jesus was born they were part of the "multitude of the heavenly host" (Luke 2:13) who sang for joy.  But this moment was just the beginning.  Like that moment you hold your breath because you know something good is coming - it has begun.

We reviewed the final evening of Christ's life, how he suffered in Gethsemane for the sins of everyone who ever has or will live.  He bled because I told lies and I was mean to other people.  How he was crucified and we all were part of the heavens that wept.

And then I told them that the happiest, most excited day of their whole existence happened before they were born, but when they feel excited about the story of Jesus they are remembering it.  How they heavens shouted for joy as Christ left the tomb - it is accomplished!  Physical and spiritual death are conquered, the way is prepared for all people to return to Heaven.  This was the moment we had held our breath for and it happened!

The best gift we have ever been given is an empty tomb.  (John 3:16)
Happy Easter!

ALB