Repost 4/22
One character in the Easter décor has always rubbed me the wrong way. That would be the Easter Bunny.
I’ve talked before about all the symbols and history of Easter (Symbols of Easter) There are a lot of the historical Easter symbols that have been re-purposed to point to Christ, but not the Easter bunny. He has an odd history and while some have tried to boycott the character it doesn’t stop him from having a LARGE presence on store shelves.
That was one of the goals of my book An Easter Bunny’s Tale (Watch the book trailer here)
In the book, a little gray rabbit follows Jesus through the events leading up to Easter leading to a mission Jesus gives the little bunny.
“Be my messenger of hope and transformation, that comes from my resurrection life.
May this message spread as fast as your feet, so all can know salvations peace.”
How do we turn the Easter Bunny into a Gospel Bunny?
Well, it’s by picking the symbol a part, no I’m not going to do animal dissection here, but to take the most known things about bunnies and apply them to the Great Commission.
"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20
So, what makes up a bunny?
Big Ears, Fast Feet, Soft Fur, and in the case of An Easter Bunny’s Tale a changed heart.
All Ears
A rabbit’s ears are large so they can hear really well.
We as believers need to have our ears open to listen for people who need Hope. True and lasting hope is only found in Jesus, so we have to be willing to listen.
Fast Feet
Rabbits are known to be fast movers,
We as believers need to have feet that are ready to move and serve those around us.
Soft Fur
I know very few who are afraid to approach and pet a bunny. Now I’m not suggesting everyone go out and get a fluffy sweater or a rabbit pelt. But let’s attempt to have an approachable appearance.
May our words be soft and encouraging.
Let kindness be a quality we are known for.
A Transformed Heart
In An Easter Bunny’s Tale, the bunny’s heart changes from gray to white to represent the cleansing power of Christ's death and resurrection.
A heart transplant or a T-shirt with a heart isn’t what I’m talking about here, but a heart full of God’s word and love. This takes time and practice for kids.
But we want our kids to have a heart like Christ’s, just as God wants US to have a heart like Christ’s. Some of this will take memorizing scripture and some of it will be simply prayer for your children to come to know and love God at an early age.
Great mission-minded verses to start with are:
John 3:16
Romans 5:8
If you’re looking for more, memorize the Roman Road verses as a family.
If An Easter Bunny’s Tale has entered your Easter reading with your kids, grab this Craft Kit to help have a conversation about the gospel and how Jesus has given us a mission to share ‘He is Risen” with everyone.
Don’t forget about the Easter Bunny’s Tale Coloring and Activity Book for your Easter Baskets.
