5 Easy, Low-Prep Ways to Celebrate Reformation Day
Most people think of October 31 as Halloween, but few realize it’s also the anniversary of a moment that changed church history forever. On that day in 1517, Martin Luther courageously nailed his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany, igniting the Protestant Reformation.
Every year, our family pauses to remember Reformation Day—a day that reminds us of the beauty of God’s truth and the freedom we have to live by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Here are five easy, low-prep ways to celebrate Reformation Day in your home!
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Read beautiful picture books. Martin Luther’s life was marked by following God, whatever the cost. Learning how believers have walked in faith can strengthen our children’s walk with Jesus. You can see our favorite Reformation Day book recommendations here.
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Carve pumpkins with this FREE, Gospel-centered resource. The "Pumpkin Parable" is not my original idea (you can find many versions of it on the internet). I simply chose my favorite analogies and added pertinent Scriptures and instructions. It's a beautiful gospel analogy to teach children how God chose us, carved out the yucky sin from inside us, and put His light inside us to shine for Him. So simple, yet so profound! This version of the Pumpkin Parable is part of the Reformation Day Guide, but can also be downloaded here for free.
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Sing along to "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God." Scholars believe Martin Luther wrote A Mighty Fortress Is Our God amid the grief of losing his baby daughter, Elisabeth. Based on Psalm 46, this hymn powerfully proclaims God’s sovereignty over all. Take a few moments to sing it together as a family and reflect on its rich truths.
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Watch a kid-friendly movie about the life and work of Martin Luther. This one is our favorite! It’s 4 minutes long and so engaging!
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Learn, sing, and celebrate with the Reformation Day guide by Brighter Day Press! This is a family-style guide meant for elementary age children and their families. This 30-page Reformation Day guide includes:
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7 interactive history lessons about the life and work of Martin Luther, the start of the Protestant Reformation, and the invention of the Gutenberg printing press that helped his message spread like wildfire
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Theological concepts—including the Five Solas—that help us understand the main points of the gospel and where they're found in Scripture
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Games, activities, and recipes
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Reformation Day Party plans! Every year, our family pauses to remember Reformation Day—a day that reminds us of the beauty of God’s truth and the freedom we have to live by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Let’s get out the costumes, whip up some delicious treats, and celebrate what God has done in history to redirect His people back to the best news ever!
