Easter is a time for reflection, celebration, and most importantly, for teaching children about the true meaning of the season. While Easter egg hunts and chocolate bunnies are fun, as Christian parents, it’s essential to remind our children of the significance of Christ’s resurrection. One creative way to do this is by using the Jelly Bean Prayer, a simple and colorful method of teaching the story of Easter through a poem that uses jelly beans.
The Jelly Bean Prayer is a poem that helps children understand the meaning of Easter by associating each color of jelly bean with an important part of Jesus’ life and sacrifice. It’s a fun, engaging, and memorable way to instill the true meaning of Easter in the hearts of young minds. This article will explore how to use the Jelly Bean Prayer, its origins, and why it’s an effective way to teach kids about Easter.
What is the Jelly Bean Prayer?
The Jelly Bean Prayer is a short and sweet poem that connects the different colors of jelly beans with significant aspects of Jesus’ story. Each color of jelly bean represents a different part of Christ’s journey and sacrifice, from His blood to the promise of new life. The prayer was created to be a tool for parents and Sunday school teachers to help children understand the message of Easter in a fun and colorful way.
Here is the poem that forms the basis of the Jelly Bean Prayer:
Red is for the blood He gave,
Green is for the grass He made.
Yellow is for the sun so bright,
Orange is for the edge of night.
Black is for the sins we made,
White is for the grace He gave.
Purple is for His hour of sorrow,
Pink is for our new tomorrow.
An egg full of jelly beans,
colorful and sweet,
is a prayer, a promise,
a loved one’s treat.
Jelly Bean Prayer Symbolism Behind the Colors
Each color in the Jelly Bean Prayer holds deep symbolic meaning related to the Easter story. For example, Red represents the blood that Jesus shed on the cross for humanity’s sins. Green symbolizes the creation of life, reflecting how God created the earth and how Easter brings new life. Yellow reminds us of the bright and glorious resurrection of Jesus, while Orange stands for the darkness of night, a metaphor for the time of Jesus’ suffering. Black represents sin, White is a symbol of grace and forgiveness, Purple signifies the sorrow Jesus endured, and Pink celebrates the hope of a new tomorrow through His resurrection.
By using jelly beans, a treat that kids love, the Jelly Bean Prayer makes it easier for children to remember these symbolic meanings and connect them to the resurrection story.
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How to Use the Jelly Bean Prayer to Teach Kids About Easter
Teaching kids about the true meaning of Easter can sometimes be a challenge, especially when distractions like chocolate eggs and candy are all around. The Jelly Bean Prayer provides an easy, engaging, and meaningful way to teach children about the Easter story while also keeping their attention. Below are some creative ways to incorporate the Jelly Bean Prayer into your Easter celebrations.
Reading the Jelly Bean Prayer Together
The first step in using the Jelly Bean Prayer with kids is to simply read it aloud together. As you go through the prayer, hand them a jelly bean of each color and explain what each one represents. For example, you can say, “Red is for the blood He gave to save us,” or “Green is for the grass He made when He created the world.” This interactive approach helps children engage with the story and retain the important lessons associated with each color.
Make a Craft with Jelly Beans
To further reinforce the meanings behind the jelly bean colors, you can make a craft. One idea is to create necklaces or bracelets by stringing jelly beans on a ribbon or string. As you craft, continue discussing the significance of each color. This hands-on activity allows children to connect the colors to their meanings while having fun with their creation.
Share the Jelly Bean Prayer with Others
One great way to spread the joy of the Jelly Bean Prayer is by sharing it with friends and family. You can make small gift bags filled with jelly beans and a printed copy of the prayer. As your children give these bags away, have them recite the prayer to share the Easter story with others. This not only teaches them about Easter but also encourages them to share the message of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection with their community.
Combine with Bible Readings
To deepen the understanding of the Jelly Bean Prayer, you can also read the relevant Bible verses that correspond to the colors and themes in the prayer. For example, you can read about Jesus’ crucifixion when discussing Red and Black, and you can read about His resurrection when you talk about White and Pink. This will help children connect the Jelly Bean Prayer to the Bible and give them a fuller understanding of the Easter story.
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Why the Jelly Bean Prayer is Effective
The Jelly Bean Prayer is effective because it uses simple language, fun visuals, and interactive activities to help children understand and internalize the story of Easter. The use of candy appeals to kids and makes the learning process feel like a fun activity rather than a lesson. Additionally, the colors of the jelly beans act as visual cues that help children remember the important concepts of Easter.
Memorable and Fun
Kids are naturally drawn to candy, and by associating the Jelly Bean Prayer with something they enjoy, it becomes an exciting way to learn about Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection. The repetition of the poem, combined with the colors and jelly beans, makes it easier for children to remember the Easter story.
Simple Language
The Jelly Bean Prayer uses simple, easy-to-understand language, which makes it accessible for younger children. It avoids complex theological concepts and instead focuses on the basic elements of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. This makes it a perfect tool for parents and Sunday school teachers to introduce children to the Gospel in a way they can grasp.
Engages Multiple Senses
The Jelly Bean Prayer engages multiple senses by using jelly beans as a teaching tool. Children can see the colors, feel the jelly beans, and taste them as they learn. This multi-sensory approach makes it easier for kids to remember the prayer and understand the deeper meanings behind the colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does each color of jelly bean represent in the Jelly Bean Prayer?
Each color in the Jelly Bean Prayer represents a part of the Easter story. For example, Red stands for the blood Jesus shed, Black represents sin, and Pink symbolizes the new life that comes through Jesus’ resurrection.
Can I use any jelly beans for the Jelly Bean Prayer?
While you can use any jelly beans, it’s best to use jelly beans that closely match the colors mentioned in the prayer. Jelly Bird Eggs are a good option, as they come in the right colors.
How can I use the Jelly Bean Prayer in a Sunday school setting?
You can read the prayer aloud, hand out jelly beans of each color, and explain the meaning behind each one. You can also have the children make crafts with the jelly beans or create gift bags with the prayer to share with others.
Can I create my own version of the Jelly Bean Prayer?
Yes, feel free to adapt the Jelly Bean Prayer to suit your needs. You can modify the poem, add new colors, or adjust the wording to fit your audience.
Conclusion
The Jelly Bean Prayer is a wonderful way to teach children about the meaning of Easter in a fun and interactive way. By using the colors of jelly beans to represent important aspects of Christ’s story, it helps make the message of Easter memorable and accessible. Whether you read the prayer aloud, make a craft, or share it with others, the Jelly Bean Prayer is an effective tool for reinforcing the true message of Easter. This Easter, consider using the Jelly Bean Prayer to help your kids understand and appreciate the significance of Christ’s resurrection.