Celebrating a Christ-Centered Easter: Seven Traditions to Lead Us Closer to Jesus Christ

by Emily Belle Freeman

One of the few titles for adults on the Easter holiday, this beautiful gift book tells the story of Jesus from Crucifixion to Resurrection in short chapters, illustrated with line art, told in the first-person narrative of seven disciples. Each section offers the author's commentary on the lessons learned from each disciple and suggests simple traditions to follow to remember how implementing the teachings of the Easter holiday can vastly enrich your life today.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Lds, Christian, Church, Inspirational, Lds Non Fiction

96 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2015

About the author

Emily Freeman and Simon Dewey collaborated on the bestselling book The Ten Virgins. For nearly 20 years, Emily has addressed groups of women as a writer, songwriter, and motivational speaker. Her deep love of the scriptures comes from a strong desire to find their application in modern-day life. Emily and her husband, Greg, are the parents of four children and live in Lehi, Utah.

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick little read with some nice thoughts for Easter. It doesn't go through any particular events, but highlights seven people who were close to the Savior during the end of His ministry - Lazarus, Simon, Joseph and Nicodemus, the women, Thomas, the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and Jesus Christ himself. It relates some of the sweet personal experiences and principles we can apply from their interactions with the Savior and also shares a few some simple traditions to remember the Savior and these principles and interactions, including an Easter scene (like a nativity scene). I appreciated the insights here and am grateful for the reminder to rejoice in the Savior and the gift of His atonement every day. Here are a few quotes I liked:

"She stood quietly in the crowded room of the house in Bethany, holding an alabaster box in her hands. The ointment inside the box was extremely expensive--she had brought her finest as an offering to the Lord. Humbly, she stood behind Him and broke open the box, carefully pouring the precious oil on His head. There were some in the room who stood back and watched this tender act of devotion and openly ridiculed her behavior.... I can't help but wonder what thoughts filled this humble woman's heart in that moment. Did she question her devotion? Did she second-guess the action prompted by her adoration? I think not. Her outward expression reflected a sacred inward belief (p. 1)."

"When was the last time you broke open the alabaster box?.... I want to understand the heart of this woman. I want to find a way to express my love to the Savior as she did. I want to be able to say I have done what I could for the Lord (p. 3)."

"Come forth from that which holds you back... and be healed (p. 13)."

"Sometimes the miracle we are hoping for is not the miracle the Lord holds in store. Sometimes miracles come in unexpected ways, and they come in the Lord's timing rather than in ours (p. 14)."

"What binds you and confines you to the darkness? Whether it be sorrow or sin, fear or frustration, depression or despair, we must remember that Calvary's cross has the power to overcome every darkness (p. 15)."

"Simon may not have had much to offer the world, and yet his name is recorded in a scriptural account that will stand as a witness of his actions forever. Throughout time he will be remembered as a man who was willing to offer an act of goodness in a moment of great need, to take a compassionate detour. Simon couldn't take away the pain that lay ahead. But for a small moment he could help bear the burden, even shoulder it, and for that moment the Savior did not suffer alone (p. 23)."

"Are we willing to give comfort to someone whose burden is heavy (p. 24)?"

"Take a compassionate detour (p. 25)."

"Do you know what it is to feel empty? Have the circumstances of life ever taken so much from you that it feels as if your whole soul has been carved out? There is One who can fill the empty places--Jesus Christ, the Holy One of Israel, the Messiah, the Son of God. He is the Anointed One--He who came to preach good tidings and to bind up the brokenhearted. The One who proclaims liberty to the captives and opens the prisons of hose who are bound. He also offers comfort to those that mourn.... He fills the empty places until they are full. Jesus Christ gave up His life for us. Are we willing to follow His example? Could we choose daily to give up our lives for Jesus? Could our hearts become more devoted? Could our lives become more dedicated (p. 33)?"

"Consider creating a testimony tree for someone you know who is struggling (p. 37)."

"After World War II came to an end, many people in Eastern European countries were not allowed to attend church services. The Communist Party taught the children that there was not a God. However, not wanting their grandchildren to grow up without a knowledge of the Savior, the grandmothers would teach the children about Jesus within the walls of their own homes. Then, every year at Easter, the families would attend a midnight service. When they returned home, they would stay up all night long talking about Jesus and decorating red Easter eggs (p. 41)."

"We do not know much about this Mary, but we do know that she was the first person to see the risen Lord. I have often wondered why. Was her faith the most sufficient? Was she the most prepared to receive the Savior? Did Christ know she would recognize Him when He called her name because she had before? We do not know, but we do know this--she went to the tomb early one morning after Christ had died, and here an important lesson was learned. She went seeking the Savior. In her hour of greatest need, in deep despair and longing for answers, she did what she had been taught to do--she turned to Christ (p. 45)."

"Trials provide an opportunity for us to seek the Savior. As we prove Him, we gain more understanding and knowledge. We come to know Him in a way we might not have before (p. 47)."

"Spend an evening dying Easter eggs and talking about what it means to stand as a witness for Jesus Christ. Focus on how every testimony is unique, fragile, and worth taking care of (p. 49)."

"The Savior knew the fears and the deepest longings of Thomas's heart--to see, to feel, to believe. Jesus didn't ignore Thomas's doubt or his questioning. He invited Thomas to reach, to have a person experience, so that he could discover the answer himself. He knew that experience would allow Thomas to believe. The Son had come again (p. 55)."

"The lesson from this story of these two disciples is simple but profound--it is through the scriptures that a disciple comes to know and recognize the Lord. This lesson is just as true today as it was two thousand years ago. If you want to know Jesus Christ, you must turn to the scriptures (p. 64)."

"Underneath this passage appears a note, carefully written in beautiful script, that I love: 'Wilmond Warner--Evening--March 31, 1928--Tomorrow is Palm Sunday.' When I read that quote and then inscription underneath, I know something about Reverend Wilmond A Warner of Barton, Vermont: He was a man who knew what it meant to prepare his heart for the High Holiday of Easter. This preparing is a common theme of Easter.... As Easter approaches, we too must prepare. Make ready your heart. Make ready your home. Make ready your celebration. And then...remember (p. 72)."

"Find a way to offer up your finest to the Lord. Make ready your heart. Remember. Rejoice in Him (p. 77)."

"Easter is a holiday that we mark on our calendars on one Sunday every year, but in reality it is a celebration that should take place every day of our lives. The sacrifice and resurrection of our Lord merit more than just one high holiday a year; His is a gift that must be rejoiced in continually. We must not take it for granted. We must let if fill our hearts with hope (p. 80)."

"I want to be more like Peter and John, running to the tomb after Mary told them it was empty. I love the image of that moment--two disciples running with an abundance of hope that filled their faces and every fiber of their being. When given an invitation to come closer to Christ, to know more of Him, to celebrate Him, I want to consider the condition of my heart. I don't want to take for granted my testimony of the Savior and His suffering, death, and resurrection. Instead, I want to come running... I want to rejoice in Him every day (p. 81)."

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been looking for something to help us with new Easter family traditions, and since I enjoyed Emily Freeman's book about a Christ-Centered Christmas, I was excited to see she had one out about Easter.

Celebrating A Christ-Centered Easter isn't like any other tradition book I've seen. It doesn't concentrate on the days leading up to Christ's crucifixion---it concentrates instead on the people who surrounded Christ before his crucifixion. Lazarus, Simon, the Women, Joseph and Nicodemus, and Thomas to name a few. I loved how the author took the individual experiences these people had with the Savior and suggested ways we can use their experience to better our own lives. The stories are made so personal and brought a whole new meaning to them. They were short chapters, but each one was filled with ideas and wisdom that I thought about long after I'd finished the book.

The author also includes short family home evening lessons you can do after each chapter which I really appreciated. I'm going to do the "forget" knot tonight.

I think this is a touching book that offers a unique perspective into our Easter traditions and what they could be. I loved the ideas, I loved that it is diverse enough for anyone to read---individuals or families. Definitely going on my keeper shelf! If you are looking for a way to make your Easter more meaningful, this is the book for you.

[kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and gave it a 5 star rating on goodreads. I have read other Easter books that focus on the weeks events leading up to the death and resurrection of Christ. This book was different because instead of focusing on the events it focused on the testimonies of 7 people in the life of Christ. Each chapter included historical information about the person and the event, a quote that tied in, a song, a scripture and a family activity. I really enjoyed this daily devotional although I did not choose to do the activities. I do hope to make myself an "Abide with me Banner" to use next Easter with this book. I'd like to do this next year, but since I now know what it involves I feel I can make better use of the information. Even if I don't actually do it, my life is better for having read this book.

[Kay Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written, and I think that it’s a book that can be used over and over again. Emily Belle Freeman highlights seven people from the Easter story who stand out to her to help us to remember their contributions, and apply that to our lives. She reminds us to not be like Judas who was once a disciple of Christ, but gave up his testimony for money. Instead we should be more like Peter and John who ran to the Savior’s tomb, and more like Mary who testified of our Savior’s Ressurection instead. I agree with Emily as she says that we should celebrate Easter everyday, and not just once a year! May we all remember Christ’s Ressurection, and His life everyday of our lives with hope and love!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, Emily Freeman delivers an insightful and meaningful book, this time regarding the Easter holiday. I enjoyed her book about celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas so much, I purchased this book as soon as I saw it. I just wish I could have spread out the reading of this book a little bit in the days and weeks proceeding Easter, instead of consuming it in a couple of days. I loved learning about the people surrounding the Savior in the last few days of his mortal life. I'm happy to add this to my small Easter book collection.

[Rebecca Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book...I have used this book for many years in the week leading up to Easter. Thank YOU Emily for sharing your insight and wisdom and ideas.

[Victoria]

Hoopla find. We want to build up some family traditions for Easter, so this seemed like a good book to flip through. I need to start reading reviews first! The author is Mormon, so not exactly the book for me. 😂

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the simple focus on the people around Christ at the end of His life on earth. I love the traditions included for each of the stories, and I wish I would’ve had this book when my kids were little!

This is definitely one I could read every year at Easter time.

[Katie Eldredge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love Freeman’s insights and word smithing. I like the suggestions of new Easter traditions and looking more at the people than the events of the last week.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one in concept, but I found it to be a little sparse and surface level. I could see how some families would really enjoy the devotionals/activities suggested here though.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is filled with good ideas to make Easter more sacred. I love the lessons taught in each story she shares. I don’t know if I would follow her plan exactly. I might be more likely to have family members share favorite stories about Christ.

[Natalie Steed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the ideas is this book and the creative ways to add meaningful family tradition for Easter

[Breath of Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

With this being Good Friday I thought this would be a great time for me to post my review of this family "Christ -Centered Easter" by Author Emily Belle Freeman.

The cover is eye catching and if seeing it in a store I would purchase it due to it is giving you some ideas on Traditions to lead you to be closer to Christ. I do love to read or hear how:

To read more of my review: Breath of Life

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this but didn’t love it. While it’s clear that these traditions are deeply meaningful to the author and her family because of experiences they’ve had, a few of them feel like a bit of a stretch to fit the circumstances. I do think it’s good food for thought though—it can prompt pondering about what traditions might be meaningful celebrations for each individual family. I will pull some ideas from this but probably won’t adopt all of the traditions.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

2023:
Beautiful ideas. I’m excited to adapt them for us and create new Easter traditions next year!

2025:
Didn’t start last year, but we’re already incorporating these ideas this year. I’m excited for the traditions we’re creating throughout Lent, leading up to Holy Week and Easter Sunday.

[Tiffany Farnsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book every year. It really helps me focus more on my Savior during Easter.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent way to prepare your heart for Easter.

[Lindsay Fleming · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always enjoy Emily's books

[Amy Halbern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Emily Belle Freeman, really touches on every aspect of easter to help us believers, non believers and those whose testimony is a little bit wavering on understanding easter. She takes us through the life of christ before the ultimate sacrifice to the days after his resurrection. She gives us scriptures to study and parables that Christ taught through his ministry, and even after his resurrection.
Finally one thing that she talked about was Judas and how he betrayed Christ. Even though he did betray Christ, it was all part of the Story and plan. There was a reason why he was supposed to betray him. Instead of Judging him we need to have faith to help us understand that everything happens for a reason.
"The DIsciples on the road to Emmaus remind us that as we turn to the scriptures our hearts will burn within, we will lead to recognize the Lord, and his Spirit will abide us." - EBF
Even though this book was short in text it brings the sweet spirit of Easter and what it truly means to rejoice in Christ, and look beyond Easter Eggs and parties. I feel that if each of us following the scripture passages, parables and pray to have a testimony of easter then we all can truly rejoice in christ and come to know him just like his disciples did when he was here on the earth.
I highly recommend this book, even though it's about easter its a great book to read year round.

[Coco Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found myself really liking the idea and the first couple traditions. But then it felt forced. And a little too far stretched. Then I was regretting buying the book for $10 when I could be smart about it and come up with traditions that make sense to me and my family. I don’t need to do someone else’s traditions. A red egg from Serbia holds great significance to them because her son lived there. But it never even explains why they liken this to Christ. I don’t know. I wanted to like it. To implement it. But I’m just kind of frustrated. I will continue to search for my own way to make traditions with my family to celebrate Christ during Easter.
BUT. She has a deep and abiding love for Jesus Christ. And I love her for that. And I am grateful that her heart is in the right place to share that with others. I too know that Jesus Christ lives! The reason we celebrate Christmas is because of Easter. He suffered and died for me and for you. And He rose again on the 3rd day. He saved us all from death and sin. And I know as we come unto Him, He will show us the way back to the Father.
www.churchofJesusChrist.org

[Camille Hoffmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read (you can easily read it in just a couple hours), but many good thoughts! I love Freeman's writing and her insights, and so just reading the stories of the various people in Christ's life and the beautiful insights she gleaned helped me better get into the spirit of Easter.

I wish there were a few more ideas/traditions listed; there are 7 in the book, and I think we will definitely be adding a few of these to our family's traditions, but some may not work for various seasons for our family, which means you're only left with a couple new ideas. With that said, I still think there is a lot of wisdom and spiritual uplift that can be gleaned from this little book. I'll definitely be re-reading every year before Easter, and maybe next year I'll be able to implement a couple more ideas than this year :).

[Stela Idrizi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came as an answer to prayer as I sought to know what traditions that focus on Christ rather than the easter bunny I could create for my family. I grew up in Greece where all of the traditions around easter focus on Christ and it was a wonderful experience filled with the Spirit. Now I live in the United States and I haven't seen much Christ-Centered Easters. They seem to be very small holidays filled with egg hunts and dinners over one day and then they disappear. This book helped give me so many ideas and the Spirit is felt strongly while reading. It also inspired me to find even more traditions that I think will be excellent for my family. Thank you thank you thank you. I am grateful to have found an answer to my prayers.

[Shauna Ludlow Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like how this author simply but powerfully highlights important people in the last week of the Savior’s life and after His resurrection. There is a lot to learn and ponder in this small book.

She gives lesson suggestions with hymns, scriptures and activities. She even includes instructions how to dye eggs red.

It motivated me to read other books she recommends (Frederic Farrar’s “The Life of Christ,” Alfred Edersheim’s “The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah,” and Brad Wilcox’s “Easter Sermon”).

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it. Some great ideas I am looking to implement in the future. I'm not sure I'm ambitious enough to do all the ideas in one year but I think I could do at least one or a couple each year. I like how it got me thinking more about the importance of Easter. Christmas is so hyped but Easter is the truly pivotal event. Christmas wouldn't mean anything if there wasn't Easter. Anyway, I'm glad I own the book so I can re-read and refer to it in the future.

[Kristie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet book focusing on seven Easter stories of people in the New Testament. Lazarus, Simon, Joseph & Nicodemus, the women, Thomas, two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and finally, Jesus Christ. Each had their role, culminating in Christ’s crucifixion. The book has unique activities families can do with their children on the days or weeks leading up to Easter. A fast read with darling insights to make the holiday more meaningful.

[Lacey W · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book covers some of the people surrounding Christ during his crucifixion instead of the events leading up to it. It has the same formatting as A Christ-Centered Christmas but didn't feel as poignant. Perhaps it was because a few of the traditions tied in weren't as inspiring or maybe because focusing on side characters took away from this particular holiday's meaning. It still gives you some ideas to ponder and was worth the quick read.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book with seven ways to make Easter more meaningful with scriptures, activities, and hymns to enjoy as a family. It focuses on 7 people who were important during the last week and resurrection of Christ. She has an Easter Nativity that goes along with it that adds depth to the holiday.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! Short and sweet and very spiritual. Only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is because I was hoping for just a bit more… and I wished the author explained more symbolism between the typical Easter decor we see every year. She did mention an Easter egg and how it relates to Christ, which I appreciated. Great book overall

[Brianna Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

comforting and so helpful

This book brought me closer to my Savior. I was worried I would feel stressed and guilty about not doing enough, but I just felt wrapped in love. My testimony was strengthened. Whether I do anything different, I feel encouraged to read the stories and insights in this book over and over, to study and love the word of God.

[Kimber Cutler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved all these traditions! I want to buy the physical book to keep in my Easter stash to have handy to refer to to do yearly. all bible centered and great for all faiths!

*These traditions can be done each Sunday the 6/7 weeks leading up to Easter!*

*i found the ebook on hoopla and Deseret bookshelf*