Easter Story Cookies

He is Risen! Isn't it awesome to know that Jesus died for us and then rose triumphant over the grave? A few years ago, our family came across a neat way to go through the Easter Story with your children. So, now I am sharing it with you! You have to start them the evening before Easter. You need:

1 c. whole pecans 1 tsp. vinegar 3 egg whites
pinch of salt 1 c. sugar zipper baggie
wodden spoon tape Bible

Preheat the oven to 300 F. Place the pecans in the baggie and let the children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. 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 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 the 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 in the bowl. Explain that that represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers and the bitterness of their own sin. Read Luke 23:27.

So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 c. sugar and explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know Him and belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat these 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 the broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that the mounds represent the rock tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.

Put 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 and 22.

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

Now, celebrate our Resurrected Lord!