Books on Easter He is not here; He is risen, just as He said. Matthew 28:6 NIV Easter is so much more than colored eggs and chocolate bunnies. It is a celebration of Jesus, our risen Savior! As you prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, take some time to reflect on the necessity of His death and resurrection and the certainty of God’s unconditional love for us. Use this opportunity to help your children and grandchildren understand the power of the cross and the resurrection. Come by the library and check out one of these excellent resources. The reviews that follow are taken from the publishers’ book jackets. The First Easter The First Easter written and illustrated by Carol Heyer. At Easter we think of fresh new grass and baby animals and warm, golden sunshine. We think of baskets full of candy and brilliantly colored eggs. But most of all, at Easter we think about Jesus and all that he did for us. Carol uses brilliant illustrations and beautiful text to retell the story of the events leading up to the first Easter. The true meaning of Easter’s rituals and traditions will come to life in Heyer’s portrayals of the Last Supper, the crucifixion, and the glory of Easter morning. Children and parents alike will treasure this book, which, once read, will quickly become a part of the family’s yearly Easter celebration. He is Alive! He is Alive! by Helen Haidle. Share with your children or grandchidren this beautiful picture book recounting the last days of Jesus on earth and the first days after His resurrection. Well-known children’s author, Helen Haidle, lays out in order all the events of the passion and resurrection of Christ in a way that is easy for children 4-8 to understand. He is Alive! extends beyond the story of the cross and encourages children to develop a deeper understanding of the truth that Jesus is alive! Journey to the Cross Journey to the Cross: The Complete Easter Story for Young Readers by Helen Haidle. This great resource helps six to twelve-year-olds understand who Jesus is and what He has done for them. Haidle brings together a day-by-day recounting of the last week of Jesus’ life – His death, His resurrection and all of the events following His resurrection, including His ascension and the pouring out of His Spirit at Pentecost. Included is information to help young readers discover the details and customs of the first century, how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah and what Jesus’ sacrifice means to them today. This is a tremendous resource for families! The Very First Easter The Very First Easter by Paul L. Maier. Best-selling author Paul Maier and illustrator Francisco Ordaz work together again, bringing a vivid picture of Jesus’ last days on earth to children ages 5 to 10. Maier writes, “These pages return the sacred focus to the true Easter story that is often missing in literature for the young. This book answers real question children ask about Easter.” This is another wonderful book for parents to read to their children as they celebrate the resurrection of our Savior. Passion Hymns for a Kid’s Heart Passion Hymns for a Kid’s Heart by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada. In this fourth volume of Hymns for a Kid’s Heart, Joni and Bobbie give everything needed to help you teach twelve classic Passion hymns and the meaning of the cross of Christ to the children you love. With richly orchestrated music, true stories, prayers, and Scripture, Passion Hymns for a Kid’s Heart will feed your child’s soul. A fully orchestrated CD with children’s voices singing along with Joni and Bobbie, and simple piano music with guitar chords is included. The Passion of the Christ The Passion of the Christ, a Mel Gibson film on DVD. From academy award-winning director Mel Gibson comes the profound story of courage and sacrifice depicting the final twelve hours in the life of Jesus Christ. Featuring stunning cinematography and an inspired performance by Jim Caviezel, The Passion of the Christ is a triumphant and uncompromising filmmaking achievement. Running time: 126 minutes. The Passion The Passion: Photography from the Movie “The Passion of the Christ” edited by Bonn Steffen. In this companion book to the film the movie’s impact continues through the gripping still photographs taken on location during the actual filming. Accompanied by the biblical narrative from the New Living Translation as well as Aramaic and Latin text, the drama unfolds rapidly and with searing realism. Jesus the Christ Jesus the Christ, the movie version of The International Bible Society’s Matthew on DVD. Based on the New International Version Bible, the aging Matthew recalls the experience of being Christ’s apostle. Beginning with the wonder of Jesus’ humble birth in a manger, you will become intimately involved in His ministry, sacrifice and glorious resurrection for the sake of all humanity. Starring stage and screen legend Richard Kiley as the apostle Matthew and Bruce Marchiano as Jesus, this vivid drama brings to life the most compelling story known and gives fresh insights to believers everywhere. Running time: 130 minutes. He Chose the Nails He Chose the Nails: What God Did to Win Your Heart by Max Lucado. Linger on the hill of Calvary, rub a finger on the timber and press the nail into your hand. Taste the tinge of cheap wine and feel the scrape of a thorn on your brow. Touch the velvet dirt, moist with blood of God. Allow the tools of torture to tell their story. Listen as they tell you what God did to win your heart. Lucado’s writing will make the Easter story come alive for you! The Case for Christ The Case for Christ: A Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus by Lee Strobel. Strobel was an award-winning reporter for the Chicago Tribune and an avowed atheist when he first investigated the greatest news story of all – the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Now, in The Case for Christ, he presents compelling evidence and expert testimony for the claims of Christianity. Written in the style of a blockbuster investigative report, The Case for Christ is a provocative and spellbinding read, marshaling expert testimony and persuasive evidence. Strobel will persuade even the most hard-boiled skeptic to reconsider Jesus’ death and resurrection!