It is such a special time, that Covid 19 seems almost
unreal. I watch the General Conference sessions with my 96-year-old mum, so we
take it slowly, never more than one session in a day. But these sessions have
been so special. The spirit is tangible, and the messages speak directly to my
soul. Now we are two days away from the start of the Easter weekend and our
Easter study has been centred on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It was
suggested that we ponder the suffering of the Saviour on our behalf.
Thinking about the Saviour and all He did for me, always
brings me to tears. I love the Sacrament hymns as they always remind me of the sacrifice
of my Saviour. There are so many wonderful church songs that fill me with warmth
and appreciation. In a “catch-up” post on Lesson
47 (you need to scroll down), I included two of my very favourite songs that
testify of my Saviour. These are: O,
Lord My Redeemer and His
Hands. I also love Amazing Grace, which I used in a “catch-up”
post on Lesson
42 (once again, scroll down! 😊). With the music, the meaning of the words,
and the graphics used, it is a perfect preparation for Easter and a real Easter
musical treat!
When I think of the pain our Saviour went through in the
Garden of Gethsemane, the dreadful events leading up to the crucifixion, and
His slow and painful death on the cross, I feel great love for all that He went
through for me. I also experience hope and joy when I think of His glorious
resurrection. The following video uses the same graphics as those used in the
video of Amazing Grace, continues the story, and brings it to a wonderful
conclusion. This is the beautiful Primary song Risen, written by Shawna
Edwards.
I cannot watch these videos without feeling love and gratitude
to my Saviour and my Redeemer, Jesus Christ. I acknowledge the words of the
following two poems. They touch my heart and I know the meaning of the poets,
as it is my own.
What
Will We Give? By Susan Noyes Anderson
The Saviour in
Gethsemane
consumed our
sins on bended knee,
took every
sorrow, every loss
and broke them
on the rough-hewn cross.
Christ sealed
His gift in grief and pain,
renewed each heart
in sacred rain
of Living
Water, lifeblood spilled.
The ransom,
paid. The law, fulfilled.
His temples
pierced by thorny crown,
he laid His
tortured body down.
The sacred
flesh, abused and torn,
roused heaven
and earth to weep, to mourn.
The tomb received
Him as her own;
disciples
wavered, left alone,
forgetting
promises profound:
The ties of
death would be unbound.
For Christ the
Lord atoned for all;
no grave could
hold Him, nor forestall
the blessings
of eternity.
He lived! He
lives! to set men free.
A Brother gave
Himself in love.
The risen Lord
now waits above.
What will we
give? May our lives be
reflections of
His charity.
∞§∞
I will miss all our family being together this Easter and I know that not
all my children share a testimony of the Atonement, but perhaps I can share my
spirit with them through conversations and through my love for them. At least
we will get to see each other over the digital waves using Zoom. I know
that God lives. I know that Jesus Christ lives. I acknowledge His pain, His unwavering
obedience to Heavenly Father, His love for His Father, for each one of us, and
for me. I know we have a dear prophet leading the Church today. He is such a
great man. I know if we listen to his words, we hear the intent of God. I am so
grateful to live in these latter days. I pray for strength, I pray for my
family, and I am so grateful to have the means to pray for forgiveness through
the gift of the Atonement. This Easter will be a perfect time to study, pray,
and worship. May all our homes be full of amazement, hope, joy, and love over
this coming weekend.
