Thoughts for Easter

(This was intended to be posted prior to Easter weekend, however, my internet access quit on me before I had a chance to post this - that was Thursday 4/21)

The other day I was driving and I passed a church with a sign outside that caught my attention - "Easter, the rest of the Christmas story"  I think I like that.

I do not know how bunnies laying eggs filled with candy for children to hunt came to represent Easter but I think I have a good understanding of what Easter truly is. I am touched every time I read the account in the gospels as to how our Savior willingly took upon Himself the pains of the world. (Luke 22:41-44) I am also touched at knowing He rose again (John 20:1-18)  How sweet this knowledge is! At this time, I hope all of us can take the time to gain a better understanding of what has been done on our behalf.  Please enjoy the following pictures, words to ponder and links to special videos.

Luke 22:41-42

Luke 23:44-46

The Gift

The gasp

From the crowd was

Audible

And a few smiles even

Vanished

As the mallet drove the first

Spike

Through the torn

And bleeding

Hand.

With haste and little care

The other monstrous

Nails

Were blasted through

His flesh

And he was lifted, silent, naked,

Blood-covered and agonizing

Amid the jeers, the applause, the lust

Of the ones he loved

So dearly.

Dark clouds boiled, winds tore

At the rocky summit

As the people slapped and mocked

And spit

And taught their children –

Yet in silence He endured, weeping

Not in pain but pity

For those He loved

Had

Still

So awfully far to go.

Eyes closed, He

Spoke often

With His father, who stood

Very near, of Gethsemane

And the torment which left His blood

To stain the ground

Atoning for this so great

A sin

And all others, past and

Yet to come.

Anguish-filled hours dragged

Slowly by

As He hung trembling because

Of pain

And suffering

Both body and spirit

Till the Father in perfect

Love

And understanding

Withdrew.

Now alone and

Totally so

The Son cried out

In agony of

Spirit

Shrinking –

MY GOD

MY GOD

Why hast thou

Forsaken my?

And then a time

Only moments perhaps

But longer than all

Eternity

When the Son, lonely still

And in silence

Partook of the bitter cup

And finished His sacrifice

For the children

Of men.

Father, the glory be

Thine

I have given the gift

Thou sent me forth

To give –

My love for them is now perfect

That theirs may one day be.

It is finished!

Into thy hands, as always

I commend

My spirit.

~Blain M. Yorgason

John 20:16-17

He IS risen!!

It is my testimony that Jesus is the Christ, He alone was the one who could atone for our sins and I know that He did. It is my prayer that we would all be able to apply the Atonement in our lives.

Please take a moment to view the videos below, enjoy the spirit in which they were made.

The Purifying Power of Gethsemane
A talk given by Bruce R McConkie

I Am Christ
Music Video (one of my favorite video compilations ever!)

I Know That My Redeemer Lives
Music Video

I Will Rest In You
Music Video (another must see, and hear, as with the I Am Christ Video)