In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, most of us might still be practicing social distancing this Easter. While our usual holiday celebrations may look a little different this year, the Easter message remains the same.

At Easter, we celebrate how Christ died and was resurrected from the grave to save us, his children, from death as sinners. As adults, we understand the gruesome reality of what Jesus had to endure on the cross, but death and life can be hard topics to approach with children.

Most importantly, children need to know that at the core of the Easter message is the unwavering love of Christ. It was love that prompted Jesus to take our place on the cross so we could spend eternity with him.

As a parent, guardian or loved one, you can determine the readiness of your child to hear the detailed Easter story. No matter how you tell the story, remember to focus on the hope of the resurrection and the theme of love that runs throughout the Easter message.

Here are a few age-appropriate ideas to help share the Easter story with your child this year:

Talk through the burial and resurrection while creating delicious Resurrection Rolls. Before going into the oven, each crescent roll is stuffed with a large marshmallow. Throughout the baking process, it disappears - symbolizing the way Jesus vanished from the tomb. 

Read the Easter story and discuss it as a family.

Preschool: Read the story from your favorite children's Bible. Let your little ones follow along with the photos and answer any questions they might have.

Middle and high school: Read from Mark 14 and John 19-20. If you want to break up the readings, read a portion of the story leading up to Easter morning. Take time to discuss the story with your teenagers and give them freedom to ask questions.

Watch a movie and afterward discuss the themes, ideas and concepts shown in the film.

Preschool: VeggieTales An Easter Carol or VeggieTales Twas the Night Before Easter

Middle school: Jesus of Nazareth or The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

High School: The Passion of the Christ

Enjoy an interactive Easter egg hunt by placing different objects in Resurrection eggs that help tell the true message of Easter.

No matter how you choose to celebrate this year, we hope you're able to embrace time with your family. We pray this Easter is a special one for you and your loved ones.