(affiliate links included)
Easter, when we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus, is preceded by Lent, a season of self-examination, fasting and penance in preparation for Easter Day. The 40 days of Lent are based on two Biblical accounts: the 40 years of wilderness wandering by the Israelites and our Lord's 40 days in the wilderness.
The three traditional pillars of Lenten observance are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. In the Acts of the Apostles we find how the disciples of the Lord, after the foundation of the Church, applied themselves to fasting. In their Epistles, also, they recommended it to the faithful. Jesus was the perfect example of prayer, and He asked us to give to the least of His brothers. Thus, the prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
Although we continue our regular studies during Lent, I try to change our focus, by doing special Lenten activities, crafts (you will see some tomorrow in Day 3) and reading some wonderful books to prepare ourselves for the Easter season. It truly puts you in the right mind. Some of the books we are enjoying this Lent are:
Benjamin's Box is a lovely story of a young boy who witnesses first hand the last several days of Jesus' life and collects bits and pieces for his "Treasure Box." Those items come to represent different aspects of the Passion and Resurrection. We will be doing our Resurrection eggs again soon. :-)
A Family Journey with Jesus through Lent provides a format for family prayer for each day of Lent. Hebrew children from Capernaum, Nazareth, Cana and Jerusalem narrate the stories in a way that makes Jesus' parables, miracles, and teachings come alive. At the end of each Gospel scene, Jesus speaks to the children reading the book and lovingly explains the significance of the story they just read. We enjoy this year after year!
The Parable of the Lily is an amazing story of grace and forgiveness and the true meaning of Easter. A child realizes these things through the gift of a bulb and some dirt that she had discarded because she wanted a "better" gift. You will be so touched by reading this sweet story.
The Very First Easter is a Gold-Medallion Award winning book. Not only are the illustrations absolutely stunning, but the text so very meaningful. . Difficult questions are asked by a child to his parents and they are answered in a way that brings the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ come alive. The young man prefers stories that are real, not fiction, and hears of the most important story of all. When you look at these illustrations, you feel that you have stepped back into time during Holy Week in Jerusalem.
You can click
here to see yesterday's post, the introduction to this series.
Here are 8 of my friends who are also participating in this 5-day series and what they are blogging about. To see more of the wonderful participants and what they shared, click on the graphic below! :-) There are 63 of us in all! :-)
Brittney @ Mom's Heart ~ Relaxed Homeschooling
Lisa @ A Rup Life ~ Our Favorite Books
Melissa @ Life Off the Paved Road ~ Fit From Home
Michelle @ Faith, Family, and Fridays ~ Clearing Out the Clutter
Jennifer @ Chestnut Grove Academy ~ Educational Apps
Jenni @ Conversaving ~ Homeschool Cooperatives
Tawnee @ Adventures in Homeschooling ~ Spring Schooling
Crystal @ Crystal Starr Blog ~ Christ Centered Character Training
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