Easter Sunday will be celebrated around the world this weekend! Churches will be full of people who are acknowledging the resurrection and hope that only comes from believing that life on Earth is temporary, and that the true meaning of life lies in our eternity with Christ who died to redeem us from our sins. Regardless of where someone is in life, it is a fact that at some point every individual will leave this life and go on to the next. Hospice patients live through this every single day.
While you have most likely read and heard the Greatest Story Ever Told many times and in various ways, chances are, you have never heard it put like this! We found a recipe that will make you smile as your reflect on the gift of salvation and redemption this Easter holiday. We encourage you to share it with your family and pray that you will experience peace, joy, and comfort this Easter.
Easter Story Cookies
(Make this the evening before Easter)
What you’ll need:
- 1 Cup Whole Pecans
- 1 tsp. Vinegar
- 3 Egg Whites
- Pinch Salt
- 1 Cup Sugar
- Zipper Baggie
- Wooden Spoon
- Tape
- Bible
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important – don’t wait until you’re half done with the recipe!)
- Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. 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 white 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 cup 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 Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16
- Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents – in God’s eyes – the purity of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isa. 1:18 and John 3:1-3
- Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto 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 and 22
- On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9
HAPPY EASTER!