Easter is the time when Christians celebrate and remember the life and death of Jesus. Most of what we know about Jesus’ life comes from four books in the Bible called the Gospels: Mark, Matthew, Luke and John. The story of Jesus’ life as told in Mark is the oldest story. The other Gospels take the basic story in Mark and add on to it in a way that makes each story of Jesus’ life a little bit different.
1. Color the flame in the drawing at right for the mystery that is Jesus, and for all the things we do not know.

One idea found in most of the stories about Jesus is that he was a very loving and caring person. The stories say Jesus stood up for people who were left out, or being picked on, and he listened to people whom others ignored. He taught others he knew to do the same.
2. Color the chalice in the window for the love and caring Jesus showed toward all people.

Another thing people remember about Jesus is his courage. He spoke out against laws and people whom he did not think were fair and kind. He disobeyed some of the laws and tried to change them. He made both friends and enemies by his teachings and actions.
3. Color the rest of the stained glass window for the strength and courage it takes to stand up for what you what you think is right.

People who agreed with Jesus became his followers. Others, who disagreed with him, potted against him. One of his followers, Judas, disagreed with him and turned him over to his enemies. Jesus was arrested and sentenced to be crucified. He was nailed to a cross and he died. Jesus’ followers were confused, sad, and scared. They didn’t know what to do.
4. Take a black crayon and color over the whole chalice window with black, for the fear and hate which causes people to do cruel things, and for the sad and painful things in life which can leave us feeling so confused and frightened that we don’t know what to do.

On the third day after Jesus died (known today as Easter Sunday), Mary Magdalene went to Jesus’ tomb and found his body was gone. Then she saw a man, who said he was Jesus, and he told her not to be afraid, that he was going to be with God. Later, other followers believed they saw Jesus, too, and Jesus told them to carry on his message by doing what he had done in his life. This is the miracle of Jesus’ resurrection, that is now celebrated on Easter Sunday. The early Christians carried on his work so it stayed alive and did not die with him.
5. Open a paper clip. Using on end, lightly scratch off the black crayon covering each section of the window, to let the colors show through again. When we really believe in something it gives us hope, and this hoe makes us strong and courageous. When we are sad and confused, sharing our memories and doing things which show our love and care for each other makes us feel better and lets our light shine through.