Easter Favourite: The Garden, The Curtain, and The Cross

30 Mar

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There is a book that I come back to throughout the year which clearly explains the hope of Jesus for our broken world. It’s a book that captures the purpose of why Jesus came and what that means for us. Most importantly of all, the youngest children can follow along and the message is simple, yet profound for adults, too. The good news of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection is what Christians celebrate at Easter and year around. The Garden, The Curtain and The Cross by Carl Laferton is my top pick for Easter.

4 Reasons Why We Love The Garden, The Curtain, and The Cross

It’s Easy To Follow and remember.
As I am writing this, my daughter is telling the story in her own words. She cannot read much yet, but she is looking at the illustrations and narrating it. There are phrases that she remembers me reading to her from each page and she is reading them now. The story is simply and clearly told, capturing the biblical story from the beginning from creation and God’s close relationship with Adam and Eve. It tells of their fall and the impact of sin. Sin spoils things. That is one of the shortest sentences in the book but it is one we quote often and simply. Our sin has consequences between us and God, and us and others. Sin separates us from God. But God’s plan was to rescue us and this book shows exactly how God’s perfect plan unfolds throughout the Bible, and ultimately through Jesus. (My daughter is now reading it for a second time as I type! So I take that as she enjoys it, too!)
The Gospel Is Not Just For Easter.
We read this book all year round. This is good news for us all year round. This book is not out of place on the shelf, unlike Christmas books which seem ‘seasonal’. I love it that it is all about Easter without mentioning Easter. It’s centred on the hope of Jesus for our hurting world and offers hope for us all.
It Appeals To The Youngest and the oldest.
My husband and I appreciate how wonderfully this book is written. It explains truth like sin, the cross, the resurrection, our relationship with God, and eternal life simply through great storytelling. It shows God’s hand at work in the world from the Old Testament to the New Testament. We appreciate how it communicates God’s love so profoundly that our children understand it and we are reminded afresh about His goodness towards us.
God Always had a plan.
I asked my husband what he most liked about it and he said God always had a plan to rescue us through Jesus. Nothing is outside of His control, even when it feels like it is. This is such a comfort.