Preparing Your Family's Hearts for Easter

Easter is more than bunnies, candies, baskets, or even a holiday—it’s the cornerstone of our faith as Believers, a celebration of the greatest victory in history: Christ’s resurrection from the dead. This moment changed everything, and it reminds us that sin and death have been defeated and that we have hope and eternal life through Him. Northshore Christian Academy wants to remind parents that we have the beautiful privilege and responsibility to lead our families in preparing their hearts for this sacred time. At NCA, we believe that Easter is an opportunity to deepen faith, strengthen family bonds, and reflect on the incredible gift of salvation.

Here are some practical and meaningful ways to prepare your family’s hearts for Easter.

He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.

 

– Matthew 28:6

1. Start with Scripture

God's Word is where we should always begin. Read through the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ final days, His crucifixion, and resurrection. Consider reading a few verses each night leading up to Easter. Encourage your children to ask questions and share what stands out to them. This helps them see Easter as a story of hope, not just a historical event.

For younger children, read the Resurrection story in Matthew 28 or John 20, specifically reading about the empty tomb can help your child understand the meaning behind why we celebrate.

2. Create a Christ-Centered Atmosphere for Kids

Decorate your home with reminders of the resurrection: crosses, Scripture, and symbols of new life such as flowers. These visual cues help keep hearts focused on Jesus amid the busyness of spring activities. It’s easy for kids to get caught up in the excitement of baskets of candy and egg hunts, but Easter offers a beautiful opportunity to teach them about grace and forgiveness. A few ideas for your younger children could be:

• Resurrection Eggs to tell the story of Jesus in a hands-on way. (Resurrection eggs are usually a set of 12 plastic eggs, each containing a small object that represents a part of Jesus Christ’s journey to the cross and His resurrection)
• Create crafts like crosses or butterflies to symbolize new life.
• Talk about what Jesus’ sacrifice means for us today.

3. Family Prayer

Set aside time each day to pray together. I've mentioned this before, but one of my favorite times to do this is while my whole family is sitting around the dinner table. Thank God for His love and sacrifice and pray for hearts to be open to His truth. Include prayers for others who need to experience the hope of Easter. For example, as a family, you could discuss:

How can we share the joy of the resurrection with others?  Especially those who don't know Jesus.

4. Engage in Acts of Service

Easter is about love and grace. Find ways to serve others as a family. Whether it’s writing encouragement cards, donating to a local ministry, or volunteering together. These acts reflect Christ’s heart and teach our children the joy of giving. One of my family's favorite things to do is invite our neighbors to Church and Easter lunch at our home afterwards.

Northshore Christian Church is hosting a wonderful Easter service, and we’d love for our community to join us—both to attend and to serve! Services will be held at 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM, and we like to say, “attend one, serve one.” You’re also warmly invited to stay after the 10:30 AM service for a complimentary Easter brunch.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

 

-2 Corinthians 5:17

He is Risen

He is risen, indeed! Preparing for Easter isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. Every prayer, every conversation, every act of love helps your family draw closer to Jesus. Because of Easter, we know that life triumphs over death, and love conquers all. As you lead your children through this season, remember that you’re planting seeds of faith that will grow for years to come. He is risen, and that changes everything. As we celebrate Easter, let’s keep our hearts focused on the true meaning of this season and share that hope with the world.

We would love to invite you to our NCA Easter Chapel on April 1, 2026. 

•  4th-8th Grade Easter Chapel Time: 8:40 AM

• Kindergarten-3rd Grade Easter Chapel Time: 9:40 AM

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

 

-1 Peter 1:3