At Christmas, I did a Names of Jesus Countdown to Christmas Tree. It was so popular and had like 500 downloads in a few hours. I was blown away. I was telling my daughter how much people liked our idea and she said, “I wonder why we never do a countdown to Easter. It is a super important day. Maybe we can try again.” Great idea kid!
Easter is a little different than Christmas because you don’t have that set 25 day countdown. But, we decided that having a 7 day countdown for Holy Week would be a good way to build excitement and to understand the reasons for Jesus’ death and resurrection.
If you are interested in really diving in to Holy Week, I have a Holy Week for Families post that has Bible readings through Mark, questions, games, and activities for each day.
Countdown to Easter Printable
This countdown has a scripture reading, questions to ask each day, and a short activity. The focus is “Who is Jesus?” We will look at Scriptures in the book of John where Jesus declared his “I am” statements. (Download button at the end of post.)
Who Is Jesus?
Lots of people say they know God and that they pray, but few of them speak the name of Jesus. The problem with this is if we don’t know who Jesus is, there’s no way we can know who God. You can’t have God and not have Jesus Christ. Jesus says, “I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30 NIV)
It is because we could never save ourselves. We could never do enough good to out weigh the bad. This is why God sent Jesus. Through the death, burial and resurrection of a perfect sacrifice, we have peace with God and life. This is why I created this countdown so that our children know who Jesus is and why they need Him. These scriptures reveal our Savior’s character and heart.
Easter Scripture Readings for Families
The following is the format that the download follows. Look for the download now button below.
Day 1 (Monday) – I am the Bread of Life.
Scripture: John 6:35
Day 2 (Tuesday)- I am the Light of the World.
Scripture: John 1:1-5, John 8:12
Day 3 (Wednesday) – I am the Gate.
Scripture: John 10:7-10
Day 4 (Thursday) -I am the Good Shepherd.
Scripture: John 10:11-15
Day 5 (Friday) -I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Scripture: John 14:6
Day 6 (Saturday) – I am the Vine.
Scripture: John 15:1-5
Day 7 (Sunday) – I am the Resurrection and the Life.
Scripture: John 11:25-27
The pages are meant to be printed, cut in half, and glued on the back of brown construction paper and then hung in the shape of a cross. Each day will be turned over as it is completed. The countdown is meant to begin the Monday after Palm Sunday so that the last day is Easter Sunday. See my example below.
Countdown to Easter Prayer
Lord, Thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. Thank you that He conquered death so we can have life. I pray as we study these scriptures this week that we will know Jesus more and that our hearts will be moved to tell others about Jesus. We love you Lord and look forward to heaven with you. Amen.
This is such a beautiful project! I’ve downloaded it to do with my kids as Easter approaches! Shared on Pinterest as well.
Yay! Glad it is useful to your family. Thanks for sharing.
This is so sweet!! I will share this with the family!!!!!! ❤️
Thanks. I hope they enjoy it.