In a new video released on behalf of the First Presidency, President Dallin H. Oaks offered an invitation in anticipation of Easter:
“As we enter this New Year, let us prepare for an Easter celebration of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, culminating in His Resurrection, the most glorious event in history.”
He extended two challenges to help us better honor the true meaning of Easter and the Savior’s Resurrection:
1. Study the teachings of Jesus Christ.
2. Help establish Easter traditions (especially within our families).
President Oaks shared two examples of Easter traditions we can practice.
“We can be inspired by the Easter Sunday practice in some parts of the world where believers greet one another with a three-word exclamation, ‘He is risen!’ The person so greeted responds with the same words, ‘He is risen.’”
He also suggested we celebrate Easter by teaching others “the profound meaning of the universal Resurrection.”
The Resurrection Is for Everyone
In the video, President Oaks pointed out that it is easy for us to celebrate the Savior’s birth at Christmas because we understand what it means to be born. But Easter is a bit different.
“Easter celebrations do not have that clarity,” President Oaks said, “because there is a widespread difference of opinion among various Christian denominations on the meaning of resurrection.”
He clarified:
“The books of the New Testament teach that our Savior’s suffering and His bloodshed atones for our sins and that His Resurrection assures that all who have ever lived on this Earth will also be resurrected. Then we will all live forever with a glorified body of flesh and bones.”
Watch the full video in the player below.
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