Holy Saturday

Well, we’re almost there. Easter Sunday is a comin’. This morning we had quite a lively time at the parish Easter Egg hunt. I have never seen that many sugar-hungry kids in one place with like, a million eggs, in all my life. That must be what heaven looks like if you’re 5. I’ll post pics tonight after we recover.

We plan on making the annual “Resurrection Cookies” (see recipe below) later this evening (Carolyn thanks for the reminder!). We’ve done this the last couple of years, and each year the kids get more and more into it. Instead of the race for the Easter baskets, they all race to the oven door. I.love.it. And, of course, no Easter is complete without dying some eggs. Busy day/evening ahead. Even busier tomorrow. But, we’re trying hard not to anticipate the joy of tomorrow morning. It’s hard, but we still have some preparations to do – to our home, and our hearts.

Resurrection Cookies

Ingredients:
1 c. whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
Pinch of salt
1 c. sugar

Supplies:
Zipper baggie
Wooden spoon
Tape
Bible
Wax paper

Preheat oven to 300 F. Place pecans in a zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces (set aside). 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 whites 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 c. 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 Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes, until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’s eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3. Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a 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, 22.

On Resurrection morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Resurrection Day Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.