Celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

I was asked to deliver an Easter message about the resurrection in church today. This is not my complete talk, as much of it was extemporaneous, but here is the gist of my message. I hope everyone had a beautiful Easter.

In a world filled with war and grieving, economic and natural disasters, uncertainty and loss of hope, how wonderful it is that we have a day set apart to remember God’s plan of hope for us.

This is the day that gives humankind the greatest reason for hope, the greatest reason to celebrate the life of our Savior. The day that reminds us that because of our Heavenly Father's great love for us, he provided a plan that will allow us to be forgiven of our sins and have eternal life. Standing at the pinnacle of the Savior’s experiences on earth is the amazing miracle of the resurrection.

As with other aspects of the Savior’s life, His resurrection was not only an experience that was necessary for his own personal transition into Eternal Life, but also an example for us to gain a greater understanding of our own purpose and plan. 

1 Corinthians 15:20-23 

20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept . 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die , even so in Christ shall all be made alive . 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

Easter is a wonderful time to contemplate the symbolism of the resurrection of Christ. Every year at Easter, we are given a reminder that not only is death not permanent, but it is possible to change, through Christ’s atonement. We can forsake evil and end lives of sin, and be reborn into a life of striving for purity and righteousness. We see this symbolism in the ordinance of baptism, where immersion in and then exit from water represents the resurrection of Christ and being reborn as his follower.

When I think about the beautiful promise of the resurrection, I am filled with joy at the thought of rising and being reunited with those I love. It is this promise that has helped me to carry on after the deaths of my loved ones. It is what sustains me through difficult times in life, knowing that there is a bright eternity filled with happiness and everlasting life ahead.

We may not understand why the world must experience the turmoil and sadness inherent to earthly existence, but just as the disciples of Jesus’ time, we are invited to have faith that through our trials, if we endure them well, there is a bright and beautiful future awaiting us.

I express my love and gratitude for my Savior on this Easter Sunday and always. In His name, Amen.