Sunday, March 31, 2013

Happy Easter!



It's been a beautiful day here in Newchapel - even though the temperature hasn't been out of the 30's for weeks. They say this has been the coldest March on record in the U.K. and April promises to be the same....

But never mind, it's Easter, and the sun is out and the sky is blue as I write. There's a lot to be grateful for. We were able to attend the East Grinstead Ward this morning. It's our home ward here, but I think you could count on one hand the times we've been to church there in the last 14 months. Most weeks, we are on the road visiting wards all over the temple district. We speak almost every Sunday. We've gotten to meet a lot of wonderful people as we've traveled, but this week it was wonderful to sit in the congregation and enjoy the inspiring talks given by three people we've known and loved since we arrived last year. What a treat!

Today I have spent the day being particularly grateful for my sure knowledge that we have a Savior whose resurrection we celebrate on Easter. I know He was born in Bethlehem as the Son of God and spent His life in the country we now call Israel. I know He was the only perfect person to live on earth and He showed us by His example and the things which He taught the way that we should live. I know that He took upon Himself all our sins, then died and was resurrected three days later, paving the way for us to be able to return to live with God again.

During the last couple of years, the Church has been producing a series of short online videos, simply called "Bible Videos." There are 43 of them now, and I love them. For me, watching them makes the life of Christ more personal. You can find them at   BIBLE VIDEOS   and there is even a mobile app for smartphones and IPads.

Here is one you can watch about the last week of the life of Christ:   HE IS RISEN .   It's about 7 minutes long.  It has made me think more deeply about the Easter celebration this year. If you haven't already taken the time to watch it this week, I highly recommend it.

One of my favorite quotes about the Savior and what He did for us was spoken by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland several years ago. He said, "Considering the incomprehensible cost of Crucifixion, Christ is not going to turn His back on us now." If all of us, as the recipients of His ultimate gift, really understood and took advantage of Christ's atonement and acted according to our deep gratitude for Christ's Crucifixion and sacrifice for us, the world would be a better place. Easter is a wonderful time to recommit ourselves to being more Christlike.            ~Pat~

No comments:

Post a Comment