A Whispering Pines Easter

The Story Behind A Whispering Pines Easter

“Boris and his friends want to do something special for Easter. Little do they know that the rest of the animal kingdom is way ahead of them. Easter in Whispering Pines will never be the same for the gang.” – Harrison Woodard

Background – The Easter story, A Whispering Pines Easter, came from a strong desire to write a Boris Kitty story that would help explain the Easter story. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the single most important event to Christians. Understanding the deeper meanings of this profound act of love might be difficult for young children. Even as a child, I did not know all the spiritual ramifications around Easter, but I could tell by my parents actions and the activities at our church that it was very important day.

I took that approach with this story. All four of the main characters, Boris, Taffy, Montana and Buddy, are all new Christians and their faith continues to grow through the challenges they overcome. They see their human parents participating in Easter activities and they decide they should do their part.

Summary – The story starts with the gang discussing the meaning of Easter and what activities were planned for their respective families. Feeling left out, they desire to have their very own Easter celebration, but are not sure what to do. They seek out Fred, the older father figure in the neighborhood and he tells them to meet him early Sunday morning.

They walk up to a nearby hill where they see all types of animals from the surrounding neighborhoods and forest. Fred explains that the animals gather every year at Easter to celebrate in peace that first Easter.

It turns out that each year, the eldest animal gives the Easter message. Their friend Fred has the honor this year. He recounts the story of the first Easter and pays homage to the first animal that spread the good news of the resurrection, a small dove named Roxie. This is a hat tip to my children’s easter story, Roxie’s Big News.

Paraphrasing scriptures from the Bible, they celebrate God’s love and also the promise of peace that his return will bring for the entire planet including the animal kingdom.

The animals sing a Christian children’s Song, Jesus Christ is Coming Again, and then all depart for home. As the Whispering Pines gang heads down the hill, they are so excited by the worship service they can’t wait until the next year. But Fred tells them that they don’t have to wait for Easter, worship is good throughout the year.

Did You Know– The name Whispering Pines comes from a residential development in my hometown of Longview, Texas. I always liked the name and thought it would make a terrific name for a city.

Reed’s Hill is named after the Reed family. Mike is married to my sister Sarah. His parents Bradley and Loretta, and brothers Mitch and Marty, have all been good friends of the family for many years. During my Father’s final days, their assistance was Christian love in action.

The story was illustrated by Donna Rosin.

Biblical Theme – I go to God’s Word for inspiration for each story. Here are the verses selected for A Whispering Pines Easter.

The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. — Isaiah 11:6

“In that day I will make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field and the birds of the air and the creatures that move along the ground. Bow and sword and battle I will abolish from the land, so that all may lie down in safety.” — Hosea 2:18

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” — Luke 24:5-6

The resurrection of Jesus was the start of a new age where the Kingdom of God expands until it fills the entire earth. And when Jesus returns for good, all evil and any evidence of the curse will be removed from the planet. The millennial reign of Christ will be wonderful. I look forward to it.

Happy Easter!!

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