Reclaiming Easter

This year was the first Easter Cohen was introduced to all the Easter traditions. To be honest, I wasn't as diligent in talking about why we really celebrate Easter because it isn't quite as lengthy as the Christmas season. We would see bunnies and spring decorations from time to time, but he didn't really connect them to this holiday we call "Easter"...until we bought him the Veggie Tales new Easter movie. (Yes, I know Veggie Tales is over his head, but he has connected with Bob and Larry already and I was anxious to see something other than a Christmas Veggie Tales movie. I figured the 20 minutes he watches it from time to time won't hurt him.) However, I do lament my decision to buy it. The message of the movie is that Christmas is truly about remembering Jesus sacrifice for us...not bunnies. But my sweet two year old only connected the repeated appearances of a robot bunny to "Easter." So, when asked in the week leading up to Easter, "What is Easter about?," (not really expecting an answer but rather using it to provide a time to share with him the real reason) he shouts with excitement, "BUNNIES!" My heart sank for a minute as I realized the retail stores and television had successfully taught my impressionable toddler that Easter is nothing more than bunnies and colorful eggs.

In the days following this humbling moment, Hector and I worked hard to tell him what Easter was really about and why we celebrate this special holiday. We filled his Easter basket with two books about the true meaning of Easter and an egg telling the story of our Savior's journey to the cross. We tried to explain bunnies and eggs were because Easter is in Springtime. He listened and read the books with us, but I'm pretty sure he still connects Easter to bunnies rather than our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Through this experience God is showing me how much easier it is to be the first to teach your child the Truth rather than coming behind our world of lies and convince them it is not truth. "Easter" was not even in Cohen's vocabulary two months ago, and the store decorations and silly video not only taught him the word but gave him its meaning and significance. It's my job, as his parent, to introduce him to this world we live in and teach him Truth before the Father of Lies can slip in and deceive him. So he will be able to "stand firm against him(Satan), and be strong in his faith." (1 Peter 5:9) We must be prepared "in season and out of season" (2 Timothy 4:2) to "instruct them in the ways of the Lord" (Eph. 6:4). No, there isn't any harm in bunnies, eggs or candy, but for me it was a stark warning to wake up and realize how easy this world can teach and train my child if I'm not doing it! Peter warns us to, "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:)

This Easter was sweet and we made lots of good memories, but most of all I pray I take this lesson and apply it to every aspect of Cohen's life as he grows! Here are a few pictures from our Easter: (more on Facebook)