Black Paper
Apr
13
Written by:
4/13/2009 9:42 AM
On Palm Sunday Nate encouraged us to spend some extra time this week focusing on the events that marked the last week of Jesus' life.
Morgan and I tried to do this with our kids. Each day we read a few pages from Carson's Children's Bible about the last week of Jesus' life. On Sunday, we read about Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, about the palm branches and shouts of "Hosanna!" On Thursday we read about the last supper and the foot washing. While we read we drank some grape juice and ate some unleavened bread. On Friday, we read about Jesus' trial, his crucifixion and his burial. After reading on Friday we covered the windows in our living room and kitchen with black paper. It was only 5pm but the room was dark... dismal. All day Saturday, even with some lights on in the house, it was depressing to be in the living room. It felt heavy and dreary.
On Sunday we woke up early and tore the paper down. We read the Easter story. This was the second year of the "Black Paper Tradition." To me, the image was beautiful. Light penetrating darkness. New Life. Someday I think our kids will see the beauty and power of the symbol too. For now, it may be lost on them.
How do I know this? After reading the story of the resurrection, Carson flips back a few pages and says, "Daddy, read about Jesus dying... I like that part."