Mindy Lee Hopman

Our Living Hope

“He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.” Matthew 28:6 (NLT)

During Holy Week, we remember the rejection, fulfillment of prophecy, and suffering of the Messiah, and then on Saturday, we wait. We wait patiently because, in our hearts, we know there is so much more than what we can see.

Grocery store aisles lined with chocolate Easter bunnies, baby chicks, Peeps, baskets, chocolate eggs, and jelly beans are all so fun, but several years ago, as a young mom, I realized there is so much more to the story.

What is Easter?

At the beginning of time, in The Garden, mankind walked as one with The Father. But Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit; the consequence was spiritual death, otherwise known as separation from The Father. Since then, mankind has needed a Savior to bring us back together as one with The Father. So, over 2,000 years ago, God sent His Son to be the Lamb sacrifice who would reconcile us.

“But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.” Acts 2:24 (NIV)

Jesus brings us back into a relationship with The Father.

But God, in all His might and glory, raised Jesus from the dead! The glorious news is that Jesus is alive! Christ overcame death, and in Him, we will, too, one day! We celebrate the resurrection!

Understanding the redemption that comes from His sacrificial love allows our repentant hearts to turn back to Him and be reconciled – brought back together as ONE!

God gives us a new life, and the angels have a party in heaven at that moment!

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2nd Corinthians 5:17 (NASB)

“In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10 (NIV)

In Him, we will overcome, and one day He will wipe away every tear and make all things new! We hold onto this Living HOPE together! So let’s remember…

How to Create a Hope Filled Easter Basket

I wanted to help my children understand the depth behind the beautiful celebration. With a few mom friends, we brainstormed ways to celebrate the person of Jesus, who brings peace, joy, love, and hope for eternity!

Seeds/Bulbs/Bunnies/Chicks: We have new life in Christ!

“Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4 (NASB)

Soap: Jesus washes away our sins.

“But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭6:11‬ ‭(NIV‬‬)

“Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” Psalm 51:2 (NASB)

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (NASB)

Shoes / Flip-Flops: Go! Tell the Good News & run the race!

“Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14 (NASB)

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)

“And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'” Romans 10:15 (NIV)

Perfume / Essential Oil (maybe a blend in a roller bottle!): Jesus is a fragrant offering – once and for all!

“…and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians‬ ‭5:2‬ ‭(NIV‬‬)

Light (Candle/Flashlight):  Jesus is the Light of the World!

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” John 8:12 (NIV)

“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NASB)

“‘You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ‘Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.'” Matthew 5:14-16 (NASB)

Lamb figurine or stuffed baby lamb: Jesus is the Perfect Lamb!

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'”John 1:29 (NASB)

“…knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.” 1 Peter 1:18-19 (NASB)

Heart Jewelry: God loved me first & may He create a pure heart in me!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV)

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (NASB)

Decorative Cup or New Water Bottle: Jesus fills us  & Jesus is the Living Water!

“…and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5 (NASB)

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NASB)

“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'”John 7:38 (NASB)

“…but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” John 4:14 (NASB)

Jewelry w/ Stone or Decorative Rock: Jesus is My Rock!

“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2 (NASB)

“Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” Psalm 62:2 (NIV)

Bread: Jesus is the Bread of Life!

“I am the Bread of Life.” John 6:48 (NASB)

Sweetness: Chocolate, jelly beans, candy, honey!

“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8 (NIV)

“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalm 119: 103 (NIV) 

Do you have ideas to fill the Easter basket? If you have other items that bring depth to the Easter celebration, please share them in the comments section here or on Facebook. The list is an ongoing work in progress! 

May the Easter celebration in your home be deeply blessed and full of the richness of His everlasting love! He is Risen! 

In His Holy and Precious Name,