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A few weeks ago, our Ward Council was discussing a letter from the First Presidency, which stated:
“Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will celebrate Easter on Sunday, April 9, 2023, in commemoration of the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Sacrament meeting that day provides an opportunity to feature Christ-centered messages and sacred music. All other Sunday meetings should be canceled that day.”
For what seems like the first time in my life, it hit me: Easter is our holiday!
Easter is when we celebrate the atonement and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus the Christ.
Easter represents everything it means to be a Christian.
Christmas is amazing. I love the way we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. But without Easter, Christmas is really just presents and food. Without what Easter represents, Jesus would have just been a good guy who taught some good things. But because of his atonement and resurrection, he is much more than a good guy. Easter means Christ is the son of God. Easter means Christ has power over death. Easter means we will live again!
The resurrection of Jesus Christ represents many blessings for us. But it most poignantly represents the hope we will be reunited with loved ones who have passed from this life.
The death of a loved one can be the most challenging trials of life. It leaves a hole in our lives that can seem impossible to fill. But through Jesus Christ, there is hope. Easter is the time we celebrate that hope.
I believe in the literal resurrection of Jesus the Christ. He voluntarily gave up his life and three days later was resurrected. I believe that because of this resurrection, there is life after death. Because of Jesus Christ, I believe I will be reunited with those I love. Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, there is life after death for all of us. I am grateful for Easter for helping me remember and appreciate this incomparable blessing.
My goal is to increase the importance of Easter in my life and my family's life. I hope to put Easter where it belongs as the preeminent Christian holiday. As well, I hope to better share the hope Easter provides.
P.S. A few days after I wrote this, I listened to a Faith Matters podcast episode where Eric Huntsman speaks about how we as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can more fully celebrate Holy Week. I really enjoyed it and would encourage you to give it a listen.
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