Returning to Jerusalem after 70 years in captivity, the Israelites were eager to restore that which they had lost. The prophets Ezra and Nehemiah helped lead the people in rebuilding the wall around the city and in repairing the temple. But this was more than rebuilding their place of worship: it was a return to their covenants with God.
In every family, there are times when not everyone gets along with each other. As parents, we should always invite our children to forgive one another and help make the home a place of peace again, just like the temple. They will feel God’s love in their lives as they treat each other with love, “for the Lord had made them joyful” (Ezra 6:22).
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We have some great activities and resources to help assist you in celebrating a Christ-centered Easter this year! We recommend picking the activities that work best for you and your family. We think just a few activities will allow you to celebrate Easter, but also allow you time to focus on our Savior and what He has done for us. Our hope is that you will find something meaningful for your family to help celebrate this special holiday!
Hands-On Activity
In Ezra 3:8-13, we read about the people laying the foundation of the temple and their great joy and weeping when they saw it completed. Read these scriptures with your family and talk about the joy you feel when you visit or see the temple. Afterward, make the 3D Foldable Temple. Your children can glue a picture of themselves inside or use a Lego figure or game piece to represent themselves as they “enter” the temple.
Surprise Activity
As a family, read Ezra 6:21–22. Have your children listen for the word “joy.” Explain that the people worked hard to rebuild the temple, and when it was finished, they celebrated with a feast and gave thanks by making sacrifices. Teach that when we do what the Lord asks of us, we can feel joy and be strengthened. Talk about ways your family can better follow God. Do the Joy Workout together, then enjoy a feast of Joy Bread.
Coloring Page
As your family colors the scripture word art coloring page, read, listen to, or summarize the chapters in Nehemiah (2; 4–6; 8). Help your children understand the story of Nehemiah building the wall, even when others mocked and discouraged him. Discuss how the Lord will strengthen your family when He calls you to do something hard.
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For kids ages 1-4 at home and in nursery or sunbeams.
Family Activity
Hold up a picture of the temple and explain that a temple is a house of God. Sing “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, p. 95). Discuss as a family why you love to see the temple. Teach that the temple is a holy place that helps us feel closer to God. When the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, the people were sad because they missed being able to worship Heavenly Father there. They also missed the blessings they received. When they rebuilt the temple, they were so happy that they sang and shouted for joy. Read Ezra 3:10-11. Share your testimony about the joy you feel because of the temple. Play the Stand Ye in Holy Places musical march game with your child.
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Returning to Jerusalem after 70 years in captivity, the Israelites were eager to restore that which they had lost. The prophets Ezra and Nehemiah helped lead the people in rebuilding the wall around the city and in repairing the temple. But this was more than rebuilding their place of worship: it was a return to their covenants with God.
After many years of living separately, King Hezekiah of Judah invited the people of the Kingdom of Israel to come down to Jerusalem and worship the Lord during the Passover. Many who came to the temple did not remember all the cleansing ordinances and were not fully prepared to participate. Rather than scorn them, Hezekiah made sure that no one who attended Passover was left out: “The good Lord pardon every one that prepareth his heart to seek God” (2 Chronicles 30:18-19). Because of this, “there was great joy” during the Passover in Jerusalem as the people grew closer together in worship (2 Chronicles 30:26).
Josiah was a righteous king of Judah. He desired to bring the people back into their covenant relationship with the Lord, yet there was no way to remember the Law of Moses: the people had forgotten it. However, when ancient scripture texts were found in the temple, Josiah was able to remind his people of the law and blessings of their covenant. The people began to feel God’s presence again as worship of the Savior resumed “with all their heart and all their soul” (2 Kings 23:3).