A Quick Good Friday Guide for Christian Families
Good Friday is a solemn day that offers families a unique opportunity to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and the hope of His resurrection. Unlike Easter Sunday’s joyful celebrations, Good Friday encourages quiet contemplation, worship, and gratitude for Jesus’ love.
With kids at home and schedules often busy, finding age-appropriate, impactful ways to observe the day as a family can feel challenging—but it’s absolutely worth the effort.
Here are 10 meaningful ways to reflect on Good Friday as a family, fostering faith, connection, and reverence.
Share the Good Friday Story Through Scripture and Discussion
One of the most impactful ways to reflect on Good Friday is by reading the story directly from the Bible. Choose passages like Luke 23, John 19, or Mark 15, and take turns reading as a family.
For younger children, summarize the events with simpler language and focus on the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice.
Afterward, have an open discussion. Ask your kids questions like, “What do you think it means to lay down your life for someone else?” or “How does this story make you feel about God’s love?”
These conversations build understanding and allow kids to express their thoughts.
Things to Remember:
- Children’s Bible: Perfect for simplifying complex passages for little ones.
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Create a Family Prayer Service
Family prayer time is my favorite way of pausing and coming together as a family under God. And it’s totally free, can be tailored to your family and can fit in anywhere amongst your day!
So, why not host a simple prayer service at home to center your family’s hearts on Christ? Prepare a quiet space with a cross, a Bible, and candles. Begin with a moment of silence, then read scripture, sing a hymn, and take turns offering prayers of gratitude.
Include prayers for forgiveness, guidance, and the strength to follow Jesus’ example of love and humility. This structured yet intimate time helps everyone, even younger children, feel part of something sacred.
Things to Remember:
- Battery-Operated Candles: Safe for kids and perfect for creating a peaceful atmosphere.
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Walk Through the Stations of the Cross
Bring the events of Good Friday to life with a family “walk” through the Stations of the Cross. Create simple illustrations for each station or use a printable guide, and place them around your home or yard.
Pause at each station to read a short reflection and pray. This physical and visual activity is especially engaging for children and helps everyone grasp the magnitude of Jesus’ journey.
Watch a Family-Friendly Good Friday Movie
Visual storytelling can powerfully illustrate the events of Good Friday. Watch a family-appropriate movie that portrays Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, like The Miracle Maker (animated) or Jesus of Nazareth (live-action).
After the film, discuss key moments and how they relate to your family’s understanding of Christ’s sacrifice. Make it a reflective experience by keeping the setting quiet and prayerful.
Bake Hot Cross Buns Together
Baking hot cross buns is a delicious way to connect Good Friday traditions with tangible family time. The cross on the buns symbolizes the crucifixion, making this a meaningful activity to share with kids.
As you bake, discuss the significance of the cross and the Easter story. Share a prayer of gratitude before enjoying your homemade treat together.
You can check out our family’s favorite hot cross bun recipe HERE!
Craft a Family Cross Display
Get creative as a family by crafting a cross display to symbolize Good Friday. Use materials like wood, popsicle sticks, or even painted paper. Each family member can decorate their cross with designs or scriptures that resonate with them.
Display the finished crosses in a special place, like your living room or prayer corner, as a visual reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice.
Write Letters of Gratitude to Jesus
Encourage each family member to write a personal letter to Jesus, thanking Him for His sacrifice and expressing their love. Younger kids can draw pictures instead of writing.
Place the letters in a keepsake box or burn them (safely) as an offering, symbolizing their heartfelt gratitude rising to heaven. This activity fosters personal reflection and a sense of connection with Christ.
Plant a Resurrection Garden
Symbolize new life by planting a small “resurrection garden.” Use a shallow dish to create a mini garden with soil, moss, and small plants. Add a cross made of twigs and an empty stone “tomb.”
Explain how Good Friday’s sorrow leads to the joy of Easter morning, when Jesus rose again. Display the garden as a centerpiece for your Easter celebration.
Reflect on the Seven Last Words of Jesus
Discussing Jesus’ final words on the cross is a deep and powerful way to reflect on Good Friday. Assign each family member one of the “seven last words” to read aloud and explain in their own words.
Use these phrases as a springboard for discussions about forgiveness, love, and trust in God’s plan. Older kids can journal their thoughts, while younger ones can draw pictures representing the words.
Things to Remember:
- Printable Seven Last Words of Jesus: Simplifies the reflections for different ages.
- Journaling Bible: Encourages older children to write their reflections.
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Serve Others Together
Good Friday is a day to reflect Christ’s love through service. Volunteer as a family by donating food, writing encouragement cards, or helping a neighbor in need.
Explain that Jesus gave everything for us, and this is a way to show gratitude by serving others with love and humility. Small acts of kindness can leave a big impact, especially when done together.
Things to Remember:
- Encouragement Card Kit: Includes blank cards, envelopes, and pens for writing messages.
The Takeaway
Good Friday is a day of reflection, love, and hope. By engaging in these meaningful activities, your family can connect deeply with the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and prepare your hearts for the joy of Easter morning.
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I’d love to hear how your family observes Good Friday! Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments, and don’t forget to like and share this post to inspire others.
Last update on 2025-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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