Easter is the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his Crucifixion. This significant event marks Jesus’ victory over death.
To many, Easter is a time of spiritual reflection, joy, and hope, as Christians celebrate the triumph of life over death through Jesus’ Resurrection.
We are fortunate that there was one, Jesus of Nazareth, who walked the dusty paths of villages we now reverently call the Holy Land. A man who caused the blind to see, the deaf to hear, the lame to walk and even the dead to live. He performed miracles that have never been repeated, by anyone.
Easter Sunday celebrates the finding of the empty tomb and the angels’ declaration that He is risen.
The account of Abinadi has always been one of my favorites from the Book of Mormon, and he taught us, “There is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ. He is the light and life of this world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death.” (Mosiah 16: 8 & 9)
In Gethsemane and on Calvary, Christ worked out the infinite and eternal Atonement. It has been said to be the greatest single act of love in recorded history. He is our redeemer! He has redeemed each of us from physical death and will redeem each of us that will obey the laws and commandments of His gospel.
It is an incredible blessing to each one of us, that through Christ’s Atonement, we can access His power and His peace to strengthen us and guide us through the challenges that we each face in our lives. He knows our pain, He knows our sorrows and most importantly, He knows how to heal us.
How fortunate we are to have the answers to many of life’s most pressing questions, where we came from, what the purpose of life is, and what happens to us after we die. Because of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection, we will all be resurrected. He has made it possible for all of us to be reunited as families and have eternal joy in the presence of God if we will choose to make and keep sacred covenants with Him.
We have the privilege and blessing of being able to assist in this great work by seeking out those who did not have the opportunity to make covenants while in mortality. We can help others realize the great blessing of the Atonement by finding them, and then participating in Temple ordinances for them.
President Russell M. Nelson has taught, “Thanks to the Atonement of the Lord, eventual resurrection is a reality and eternal life is a possibility for all humankind. The sting of death is soothed by a steadfast faith in Christ, a perfect brightness of hope, a love of God and of all men, and a deep desire to serve them. That faith, that hope, that love will qualify us to come into God’s holy presence and, with our eternal companions and families, dwell with Him forever.”
I wish you all a joyous Easter as you reflect on the blessings that come through our Savior’s Atonement.
– Doug Nielsen, Director, Granite FamilySearch Center