Happy Good Friday!

I grew up in church and as a pastor’s kid (lovingly referred to as a PK). I’ve always loved music and singing. I distinctly remember being five years old and loving the hymn “The Old Rugged Cross” by George Bennard. 

One week I even made a request to our worship minister to add it to our Sunday hymn list. And he did!

I’m not sure why that specific hymn stood out to me so much. Maybe it’s because it was that same year that I came to the understanding of my need for Christ and gave my life to Him – the single most important decision of my life. 

The song is still meaningful and precious to me today, forty-six years later. 

Here are the lyrics, in case you’re not familiar with it…

The Old Rugged Cross 

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,

the emblem of suffering and shame;

and I love that old cross where the dearest and best

for a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain:

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,

till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

and exchange it some day for a crown.

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,

has a wondrous attraction for me;

for the dear Lamb of God left his glory above

to bear it to dark Calvary. [Refrain]

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,

a wondrous beauty I see,

for ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,

to pardon and sanctify me. [Refrain]

To that old rugged cross I will ever be true,

its shame and reproach gladly bear;

then he’ll call me some day to my home far away,

where his glory forever I’ll share. [Refrain]

United Methodist Hymnal

Public Domain

Here is a version I love by Marvin Sapp.

How do you commemorate Good Friday and celebrate Resurrection Day?

We’ve done many Easter crafts and activities over the years. We’ve had so much fun dying eggs and hunting for them. We also had a set of Resurrection Eggs a long time ago. We had Easter DVDs that we all enjoyed, especially The Gospel of John.

Our longest-lasting tradition is to make Resurrection Rolls on Easter morning. 

Have you heard of them?

I started this family activity when my kids were little, and we still make them every year. I imagine we’ll continue making them with the grandkids one of these days!

The idea is to provide a memorable and interactive visualization of what happened in the grave.

Not only did Jesus die a horrible death on the cross for us. Even more unbelievable and crucial to our salvation was that He also rose from the dead! 

We can find the full story in Matthew 26-28 and John 18-21.

This visual lesson includes these Scriptures:

The marshmallow represents Jesus’ body – Matthew 27:45-55

The dough represents the tomb – Matthew 27:57-61 and John 19:38-42

The butter, sugar, and cinnamon represent the oils and spices Jesus’ friends put on His body – John 19:40

Here’s the recipe…

Resurrection Rolls

Ingredients:

1 10-ounce package refrigerated crescent rolls

8 large marshmallows 

¼ cup butter, melted

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon 

2 tablespoons white sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Line baking sheet with parchment paper (you can lightly grease your baking sheet, but parchment paper is even better!).

Unroll crescent rolls and separate them into triangles.

In a small mixing bowl, stir together cinnamon and sugar.

Line all ingredients up in this order: marshmallows, melted butter, cinnamon-sugar mixture, and triangles of dough. 

Dip one marshmallow into melted butter, then roll in sugar mixture. Place in the center of a crescent triangle. Roll up sides and pinch together carefully so the melted marshmallow can’t escape. Repeat.

Place on baking sheet. Sprinkle with remaining cinnamon and sugar.

Bake in a 400-degree oven for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown. 

While the children are waiting for the rolls to be ready, read Matthew 28:1-6 to them. 

Let the rolls cool for a minute or two, then break one open to show the empty tomb! And joyfully exclaim: He isn’t here—he has risen victoriously, just as he said!

{BTW, we usually triple this recipe.}

Be Encouraged in Hope

I pray that no matter how you celebrate the resurrection of Jesus this weekend, you will be blessed with wonderful family time, encouraged in the hope of His Kingdom and that you make beautiful memories with your loved ones.

Jesus is risen!

Thinking of you,

Scarlett xo

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