Lent Ideas for Mommies
February 17, 2010 10:25 amAs Christians, our family has always put a strong emphasis on Lent. I really wanted to share some of the things that we do with our children that any other of you Christian moms might get some ideas from.
The first thing we do is have a Jesus Tree.
Each day we read a bible passage that takes you through Jesus’ journey up unto his death and resurrection. There is a felt piece that you put on the tree each day that coordinate with the passage. I got the ideas from THIS website. She shows you how to do each piece and gives the bible passage AND pdf coloring pages for each one!! SHower of Roses is one of my absolute favorite websites. It’s a Catholic Christian website but if you’re a Christian it’s just as valuable. She gives recipes with coordinating special days, coloring pages, and WONDERFUL ideas for you and your children. Her information has been invaluable to me as a mom trying to raise Godly children.
The kids really enjoy putting a piece on each day, hearing the story that goes with it and seeing the tree get fuller and fuller until Easter arrives.
Another thing that many Christians do is give up something for Lent. (For a brief explanation, look here.) That’s a little unrealistic for children to understand. So we have a jar that has different kids of daily sacrifices you can make. Each time they do one they put a color coordinated token in the jar to earn candy in their Easter baskets. I got this idea from somewhere, but for the life of me, I can’t remember where. Here’s what our jar says:
Red- For the blood Jesus gave. Each morning you can sacrifice something specific that day.
Green- For the palm’s cool shade. Earn one by doing good, kind deeeds like the people that provided shade for Jesus.
Yellow- For God’s light so bright. You can earn this for sharing Jesus’ light with others.
Orange- For prayers in the evening.
Black- For sweet rest at night. For going to sleep quietly without complaint.
White- For the Grace of God. This one is given free every day, just like God’s grace to us.
Purple- For His days of sorrow. Earn these by apolgizing to anyone you hurt that day.
Pink- For a new tomorrow. These can be earned when you forgive those who hurt you.
You could make up your own sacrifices or good deeds that suit your family, too.
I’d LOVE to hear any ideas and traditions that you and your fmaily do. I’m always looking for new ways to celebrate our Christian life.
Hope you all have a GREAT day and I’ve got a couple great things coming this week.
Posted in holidays, other | 6 Comments »
By Lisa on Feb 17, 2010 | Reply
I LOVE IT! My daughter is only 6 months but I think I will get a head start on this project now, as my project list grows by the day.
It is a total encouragement to “connect” with other Christian moms and get ideas of what being a Christian mom looks like. Thanks.
By M on Feb 17, 2010 | Reply
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing!
By Edith on Feb 18, 2010 | Reply
Alexis – I love this. Thank you. (Last night I watched the women’s downhill skiing and it made me a little wistful for our days of super speed and bad form.) xoxo
By Janelle on Feb 18, 2010 | Reply
This is so wonderful! Alexis, thank you for passing this along. I am already excited to do this with my little one in the future!
By charlene on Feb 20, 2010 | Reply
I love your blog, it’s so inspiring and creative. Thanks for the beautiful idea for lent, I’m very excited about it. I posted it my blog and of course linked it back to you. I hope that is alright, if not I would be happy to edit it, it’s just too wonderful not to share.
Blessings and Thanks
By janie on Feb 28, 2010 | Reply
i am so encouraged by your desire and creative efforts to raise your girls in God’s truth and grace. thanks.