By Ashlie Miller
Do you remember object lessons in school or, better yet, volunteering as a participant? What are some of your most memorable ones?
If you were to visit our home over the coming week, you would see us preparing for our family’s favorite object lesson and tradition – a Christian observance of Passover Seder as we approach Resurrection Sunday (Easter). It is a tradition my family began enjoying when our older children were much younger, and many are celebrating this weekend through April 20. While we are not Jewish, a study on Biblical Feasts as part of our homeschool journey opened our eyes to the beauty of this celebration that we implement in our own way.
Growing up in the South, I knew the importance of Easter Sunday. However, we did not observe a traditional or liturgical Holy Week. So, as you can imagine, I always wondered why “The Ten Commandments” would air each year at that time. “Why aren’t they showing a film on the crucifixion instead?” I would ask.
It would be young adulthood before I realized the significance of the Passover, even for the Christian. The sacrifice of the Holy One Incarnate – Jesus Christ – epitomizes the importance of Passover for us. The Spotless Lamb who took our sin upon Himself. The one who set us free from the bondage of slavery to sin (and ourselves) and brings us into a land of hope and promise.
While many will have had their feast this weekend, we usually reserve our Passover remembrance for the Saturday before Resurrection Sunday. It is a time to invite other families or individuals to join us.
We will cover our table with a dark blue cloth divided by a white runner to symbolize the parting of the Red Sea as the children of Israel escaped from Egypt. Scattered across the table, you may see small drawings, Lego figures, or other small toys presenting the 10 plagues (I promise it will not look as graphic as it may sound!). We thoughtfully make our way through symbolic elements of a meal reminding us of the Passover. Rather than alluding only to the freedom and deliverance of the bondage of slavery in Egypt and the hope of an Elijah to come prepare the way for a Messiah, as Christians, we save a seat for the promised return of a Messiah who has already come.
We also included once-a-year treats like matzah ball soup, potato latkes (a favorite around here), and chocolate-covered matzah crackers. My local Publix and Harris Teeter take out the guesswork and hunt for recipes thanks to boxed varieties of soup and latkes.
Why do we focus on Passover during this time if we are not Jewish? Our senses of smell and taste serve our memories well. We long for our children, friends, and neighbors to experience the lesson of Jesus as Messiah and our Passover Sacrifice. With a few modifications, Passover Seder becomes pivotal to our experience for Resurrection (Easter) Sunday.
Can someone pass the latkes and chocolate matzah?
Ashlie Miller and her family celebrate this season with Passover Seder and delicious Resurrection Rolls. You can contact her at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.
