When was the last time you were excited about Jesus? Maybe we should ask this way, DO you get excited about Jesus? Do you get excited about going to church, to the student ministry or the kids ministry? Do you get excited about serving others? Do you get excited about reading your bible and spending time with God in prayer? Do you get excited about opportunities to be with other believers to talk about Jesus or study his word together?

These might sound like strange questions, but I think the people in Jerusalem, in a small way, got something right. Often, we look at this story and focus on how the people cheered for Jesus because they thought he would be their next king. That like David, he would rule over the people of Israel and protect them from their enemies. But while the people might not have understood who Jesus was, they were still excited when he entered Jerusalem. They cheered for him, praised him, and celebrated his presence with them.

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​We found this great craft. Grab some green construction paper, a couple pairs of scissors, a handful of popsicle sticks, and some glue. Trace your kids hands onto the green construction and cut them out. Glue the palm prints onto the popsicle sticks. When dry, you will have your very own palm branches. 

Read the story of Jesus' arrival at Jerusalem. When you come to the part where the people wave their palm branches, have your kids wave their palm branches and shout, "Hosanna! Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"

This Easter season we've been reading Charles Martin's new book, It Is Finished. The book is a 40-day pilgrimage back to the cross. Charles takes the reader through Jesus' final hours as He makes His way to Calvary.

Along with Martin's book, the sermon series at our church coincides with the Easter story by looking at the 7 last words of Jesus. The series is called, TETELESTAI, It Is Finished. It has been a thought-provoking look at both the impact of the cross and the significance of the words Jesus speaks.

We would love to invite you to watch the series on-demand. Click on the graphic below to watch each week in the series.

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How do you celebrate Easter?

Church? Family gathering? Easter bunny?

Do you have any fun family traditions?

Egg Dying? Egg Hunts? Baskets filled with candy?

We would love to hear from you. Share your Easter moments with us in the  comments below.