Music and DVDs to add to your Easter experience!

Our family loves music and loves to watch movies together.

Music has impacted all of us.  My kids and I have learned Scripture, and hidden truths about God and who He says we are through the power of song.  It’s just so easy too!

While we’re in the house working or playing, in the car driving, or purposefully having a time of family worship–music has become a way we relate to God and to each other.

We love all kinds of music, but hymns are our favorite.  I never thought that could be true for young kids but in my single days I had the experience of teaching at a school where hymns were not only taught to the children but were loved by the children.

Children can learn and love hymns.  The richness of the text, the promises and declarations in the lyrics, and the strong, classic melodies have enriched our faith. 

I love the times I have secretly caught my children in play humming or singing a hymn.  I love how they turn to me when they are in “BIG” church with Richard and I and get excited because they know the songs we are singing!

Even though they may not understand at this point exactly all the meaning behind the words they are singing, they are storing up worship in their hearts that will pour out later in life.  So as you are preparing for Easter, and creating memories as a family, let me encourage you to include a hymn in your experience.

Here are some wonderful Easter hymns (and some modern day artists if you want to create a playlist):

In Christ Alone by Keith and Kristyn Getty

How Deep the Father’s Love for Us by Nichole Nordemann

Were you there? by Cedarmont Kids

Christ Arose by VBS Classics 2012 (a dance version!)

Crown Him with Many Crowns by The Enfield Hymn Sessions

Fairest Lord Jesus by Christy Nockels OR Selah

Christ the Lord is Risen Today by Veggie Tales

When I Survey the Wonderous Cross by Amanda Lacewell

O Sacred Head Now Wounded by Michael Card

Hosanna by Amanda Lacewell

The Old Rugged Cross by Chris Rice

Jesus Paid it All by Kristian Stanfill

My kids have also loved the Cedarmont Kids “Easter Favorites” CD.  It even includes a live Easter play which is really funny!

And Seeds just came out with their new Easter CD too and it’s awesome.

Oh Amanda shared her favorite Easter playlist and it’s FREE if you have a Spotify account.  There are some great ones here!

Movies have also proven to be a wonderful way for my kids to experience God’s word. 

I mean let’s face it, I cannot compete with Veggie Tales!  I do not use movies in place of God’s Word but as a way to supplement what they are learning.

Here are some of our favorites:

What’s in the Bible, Volume 10 by Phil Vischer.  This video has described sin and redemption in such a way that my kids really understood it.  Great gospel presentation, a must watch!!

An Easter Carol by Veggie Tales.  The Veggie Tales do it again!  This video presents the true meaning of Easter in a fun way.  My kids favorite.

The Donut Man, Resurrection Celebration.  This is a great video presentation of all the major stories of Jesus leading up to the resurrection.  Great songs that will have your kids up and dancing around!

The Story of Jesus for Children.  This video has been one we don’t miss watching every year at Easter.  It has brought about great discussion and a very real depiction of Jesus’ life.  It does not get gory or scary, but it is one you will want to sit down and watch WITH your kids because it is not a cartoon.  It’s real people, and therefore more real to kids.  Great news–you can watch it for free online HERE!

The Easter Storykeepers.  This one may be a bit hard to find but our church library has it.  This version comes from the perspective of a family who lives after the time of Jesus in Rome during the time of great persecution.  They tell each other stories about Jesus to encourage each other in their faith.  This is taken from the gospel of John so it is a neat perspective. 

Miss Pattycake’s Eggstravaganza!  If you have little ones who love to sing, this one’s for you!  A sweet video filled with fun songs for toddlers and preschoolers!

The Legend of the Three Trees.  This is also a book but my kids have enjoyed watching the DVD version.  It tells the story of how three trees are used to glorify God.  One becomes a fishing boat, one a manger, and another the cross.  Great to watch at Christmas too!

I pray these help you and your family create some more wonderful experiences as you journey to the cross and the resurrection–the foundation of our faith! 

{It’s a great time to join us in The Easter Project!  Click HERE for free devotionals to do with your family:  Easter Project Devotionals}