When A Story Is Not Just A Story

Years ago when we lived in a neighborhood that was bursting with young children, there was usually a neighbor child or two at our kitchen table after half-day kindergarten.  I don't know how many peanut butter and jelly sandwiches I have made through the years.

One spring afternoon when rain prevented the children from playing in the back yard, we piled on the couch and read books.  We ended up reading the Easter story, you know, the REAL Easter story, the one with Jesus, not the cute little bunnies.

When we had finished the story, the neighbor boy sat up, astonished, "I had NO idea Jesus had anything to do with Easter!"  he said, as if he had made a great discovery.  He couldn't wait to get home to tell his mom, who somehow in her careful preparations and decorating just assumed he had made the connection.

Small children have a difficult time differentiating between what is real and what is imaginary.  We use the term "story" loosely whether a story is about Dora, Thomas the train, or from the Bible.  Make sure that you teach them that some stories are real and some are not.  Help them know the difference.  Assume nothing.  Teach them what is true and what is made-up.  It both affirms the truth and stimulates creativity.  Even Jesus used stories about common life so that people could comprehend the truth.  

Jesus is real.  Make sure your children know the truth -- from the stories of the Bible and the story of your life.  Jesus changes everything.

The Easter story?  It doesn't get any more exciting than that.

But the angel said to the women,
"Do not be afraid,
for I know that you seek Jesus
who was crucified.
He is not here,
for He has risen
                      as He said.

                          Matthew 28. 5-6

Hallelujah!