In the video below, Lani Hilton talks about her “Good Friday” bag. Lani is the wife of John Hilton III, author, BYU professor of religion, and second cousin to my children. Sister Hilton has collected some items she keeps in a bag to pull out so her family can talk about the people involved with Good Friday, like a sword and a crown of thorns.

The sword goes with the centurion who stood at the foot of the cross and said, “Surely this was the Son of God.” (Did you know that the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible changes the verb tense of that last sentence to “Surely this is the Son of God?” I learned that today by watching Jared Halverson’s YouTube Easter video here.)

I just love the way Sister Lani explained the centurion’s testimony, how she has told her children that the centurion saw the signs of Jesus that caused him to recognize that Jesus is the Son of God. He then testified of Jesus as the son of God. Then she has asked them what signs they have seen that shows them that Jesus is the Son of God. This then opens up the space for a mini-family testimony meeting.

Good Friday is a week from today! It’s not too late to watch the video and get the bag assembled to share with your family and friends for a Good Friday observance.

I agree with the quote that the Hiltons share from Elder Gary E. Stevenson, who quotes N.T. Wright:

“We should be taking steps to celebrate Easter in creative new ways: in art, literature, children’s games, poetry, music, dance, festivals, bells, special concerts. … This is our greatest festival. Take Christmas away, and in biblical terms you lose two chapters at the front of Matthew and Luke, nothing else. Take Easter away, and you don’t have a New Testament; you don’t have a Christianity.”  Elder Gary E. Stevenson, Liahona, May 2023

Yes!!! I love it!! So if you want more…here you go:

Go here to learn about a book on activities, including games and crafts, for the Holy Week.

Go here for a free beautiful banner that says “He is Risen Indeed.”

Go here for Easter-themed picture books.

Go here to my family read-alouds and traditions site for spring, and scroll down under “April” to see even more picture books and family traditions for Easter.

Go here for my list of poetry, songs, and stories for your Family Devotionals to use this spring, even after Easter! It includes the song below, “He is Risen,” by Steven Kapp Perry. It’s under the heading, “Music from the New Era.”