faith Resources
for cnl families

As we begin Holy Week, I have prepared some materials for you to share at home with your families during these exciting days leading up to Good Friday and Easter. The videos and discussion guides will help you and your children experience the last week of Jesus' life.

Kids often think of justice in terms of the legal system. They have likely been exposed to TV shows that deal with justice in terms of crime, punishment, and getting even. For Isaiah, justice is about bringing hope and freedom to people who long for a savior.

It’s important to understand that repentance is not about shaming. Instead, it is turning away from sin to be in line with God.

Christmas is right around the corner! It’s really easy for kids this age to spend all of their anticipating energy on what they are getting for Christmas. Wherever you can, shift that energy back toward the person of Christ.

Christ the King! When kids hear king, they think of a powerful man, sitting on a throne, who is in charge of everything. It takes time and repetition to help them create the image of a king who serves others.

Taking a risk can be scary for kids this age. They may need encouragement to name things they are good at. Remind them even the things they do well now were new and felt difficult at one time.

Kids are very familiar with the concept of getting ready—for school, a meal, a game, going to bed, or the next grade. Getting ready for Jesus’ return is less familiar. Jesus tells us to prepare by actively following God’s way.

Humility is an abstract concept requiring kids to think about something they cannot touch or see. Interacting with this idea at a basic level lays the foundation for future understanding.

Rules. Remind kids that rules are more than things they can’t do. They are a way for people to be together in God’s love. “Love God and love others” sounds simple. Carrying it out can be challenging.

Kids this age start to question authority—and rightfully so. This text gives them permission to weigh competing authorities, a very adult thing to do, and consider the possible outcomes.