Good Friday is a solemn and quiet holy day in the Christian church. Many people spend this day in solitude and reflection as they remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. However, when you have children it is not as easy to spend the day in silence. It is also important to teach your children the meaning of Good Friday. Here are four different activities that you can do with your children this Good Friday to help teach them and to keep them occupied.
Good Friday Activity For Kids #1 – Cross Crafts and Coloring Pictures
Because the main symbol for Good Friday is the cross, cross crafts and coloring pictures are a good activity for children. You can locate some easy crafts by reading my article titled Easy Cross Crafts for Kids to Make on Good Friday. Many different coloring pages depicting crosses and Jesus are available on-line. Some other ideas for coloring pages include lambs, flowering vines and bread. All of these are New Testament symbols for Jesus. Some free Jesus coloring pages can be located at http://www.coloring.ws/jesus.htm.
Good Friday Activity For Kids #2 – Planting Seeds
In the Gospel, there are references to seeds which must be planted in order to bear fruit. This is a metaphor for Jesus’ death on the cross being necessary in order for his resurrection and the forgiveness of sin to occur. By using Good Friday as a day to plant seeds with your children, you can explain this symbolism and explain further why Jesus had to die on the cross. Seeds can be planted in cups to keep in the window or in a garden outside. Children can watch the seeds sprout and grow and have an understanding of cause and effect.
Good Friday Activity For Kids #3 – Flying Kites
In some areas of the world, kites are flown on Good Friday. The wooden sticks placed in a cross shape that make up the frame for the kite are easy symbols for the cross that Jesus died on. The kite flying in the sky gives children an easy way to visualize Jesus’ ascension into heaven. You can choose to make your own kite or purchase a kit or premade kite. Take the time to fly the kite with your children and teach them about Good Friday and the symbolism of the kite at the same time.
Good Friday Activity For Kids #4 – Making Hot Cross Buns
One of the most widespread traditions of Good Friday is Hot Cross Buns. These sweet, spiced yeast buns are made with currants or raisins and have a cross on the top of each one. Making these buns is not too difficult and can be a great activity for you and your children on Good Friday. Numerous recipes can be located on line or in cook books. A fairly traditional and easy recipe can be found at http://www.faith-at-home.com/recipes/hotcrossbuns.html along with more information on this tradition. These would be great to make in the morning with your children before starting other activities. They could then be eaten as a snack.
Sources:
http://www.coloring.ws/jesus.htm
http://www.ebibleteacher.com/children/lessons/jdeath.htm
http://www.faith-at-home.com/tips/holy-week-fri.html
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0251.html
