By Julie Beers
Donor Relations & Volunteer Engagement Coordinator
The following story is meant to be shared with the little ones in your life. It is important that we share the message of the Gospel and the truth of Easter with those that Jesus specifically said He wanted to come to Him (Matthew 19:14). So, curl up with your grand- or great-grandchildren and share this story together. If you live far away from them, cut this out and mail it to them. (Remember how fun it was to receive an actual letter?) No matter what stage of life we’re in, we’re called to share and live out the Gospel message as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Emily was so excited because today she was going to her Nanny’s house. Nanny lives on a farm and Emily loves helping her when she’s there.
“Nanny!” Emily squealed as she jumped out of the car. “I’m wearing my boots so I can help with chores!”
Nanny rushed up and lifted Emily off the ground into a big bear hug. Her little yellow boots fell off her feet and hit the ground. Nanny giggled.
“I think those boots are a bit big, Angel Face.”
“Mommy says I’ll grow into them soon.”
Emily grabbed her overnight bag and took her stuff to her room.
“What are we going to do, Nanny?” She said as she bounded into the living room.
“I have something I want to show you.”
The two of them walked outside into the backyard. As they neared the barn, Emily saw a bird swooping down toward them and making a lot of noise.
“You like birds, don’t you, Nanny?”
“Yes, sweetie, I do.”
Emily’s eyes glanced toward the rows of birdhouses and bird feeders that Nanny had in her backyard.
“But you REALLY like birds, don’t you?”
Nanny smiled, “Do you remember what we’re getting ready to celebrate?”
Emily’s brow furrowed in thought and then her eyes widened in excitement. “Easter!” she exclaimed.
“You’re right! Come here.” Nanny opened her arms and lifted Emily up to a flower box under the window on the front of the barn. Emily peered into the wooden box. There was a nest with three little blue eggs in it.
“Eggs remind me of the joy of Easter,” Nanny said.
“Is that because we go hunting for them?”
“Do you remember what happened on Good Friday, Emily?”
“Jesus died on the cross for our sins,” Emily said softly.
"Yes, He did. And then they placed Him in a tomb. I bet everyone who loved Him was so sad and confused. You see, sometimes God uses situations that seem unlikely to bring about new life. See these eggs? They are just sitting here still and quiet. You would think nothing is happening, but what you can’t see is that a baby bird is growing. Soon the eggs will hatch, and new life will emerge. When they placed Jesus in the tomb, for three days all seemed still and quiet. His disciples lost hope that anything incredible was happening.”
“But He arose, Nanny! Something amazing did happen!”
“Exactly! God was at work! After three days, Jesus rose from the dead and now He offers new life for those who follow Him!”
As Nanny finished her words, they heard a cracking noise and a tiny beak poked through the blue shell.
“Oh, it’s hatching for Jesus, Nanny!” Emily squealed with Easter joy.
“It sure is, honey,” Nanny said as she planted a kiss on Emily’s cheek. “It sure is!”