It’s not easy to pass this knowledge to our young children, not because they don’t understand, but because they live in much comfort.  They just don’t have the experience to feel as much empathy.  However, teach it we must so that when they come to their own experiences, the light bulb will go off and all the seeds we’ve planted will bloom.

So why paint, decorate, or color a cross?  It’s the most important symbol to the Christian faith.  Without Christ’s sacrifice, we don’t have hope and peace for the future.

Sand Art Cross Craft

To help your children remember Christ’s Sacrifice and their hope, you’ll need a cross template and card stock or other thick paper, colored sand or salt, glue, a paint brush and a tray to catch the sand.  If you want to allow your young children to do this craft by themselves, it might be wise to do it outside or in the garage.  If you happen to have a large cardboard box, you can cut the top off of that and use it to keep the sand contained.

After you print your cross template and cut it out, draw designs on your cross in pencil.  Next pour some glue in a small container so your children can paint the glue on their designs.  Start with one section at a time.  Tell your children that you are going to pour one color of sand on their cross at a time so everywhere they put the glue, that is going to be one color and then they can put more glue on for another color.

I loved the way the sand glitters and how pouring it creates a peaceful experience.  You could also use the colors in the Jelly bean prayer to talk more about what Jesus did for us.

My eldest daughter wanted to give her cross to the new neighbor.  What will you do with yours?

If you’re in need of encouragement or peace, try making one of these crosses or leave a comment below and we’ll pray for you.

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The post Easy Sand Art Cross Craft first appeared on True Aim.

First, print off this free printable cross template.  Print on card stock or other thick paper when using paint, or cut it out and trace it onto any type of paper you want.

Next, use a black marker, paint or blue painters tape to draw lines on your cross to make the stained glass effect.  For the paint, I used tempura for the black lines and water colors to fill in the shapes with color.  This helped the black lines stand out even when my daughter painted over them. You can also tape the lines on for younger children so they do not have to worry about staying in the lines.

Paint in your shapes!

Let the colors dry.

Cut out your beautiful cross and recite John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

This project is perfect for Easter.  You could use the colors in the Jelly Bean prayer to color your cross.  And when it is finished, point to each color and say that part of the poem:

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 sin we made.

White is for the grace He gave.

Purple is for the hour of sorrow.

Pink is for a new tomorrow.

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The post Easy Cross Craft first appeared on True Aim.