I cannot let it finish until I share my own abundance - the feast of hearing prophets and apostles teach the doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ - and hearing truths taught by leaders who love Jesus and testify of His truths.
In April General Conference 1, Elder Thierry K. Mutombo of the Seventy 2 shared that “In some parts of the world, people use a unique and special way of exchanging greetings on Easter morning. The paschal greeting, also known as the Easter acclamation or Easter Day greeting, is a custom among many Christians.
“The greeter says, ‘Christ is risen.’
“The other person responds, ‘Truly, He is risen.’”
Elder Mutombo 3 then described a time of dark despair in his life. I have faced days of despairing darkness, feeling without hope – and completely helpless.
I add my own witness to that of Elder Mutombo. “Christ is risen.”
I can not reiterate this truth more succinctly than Elder Mutombo: “During this mortal life, each of us will face our own dark days, times when things are not going as hoped. …
“Sometimes things do not work out in mortality as we hope, and sometimes we need the faith in Jesus Christ that all will work out in the end. 4…
“When you face this darkness of sorrow, please remember that dark day when Jesus Christ was humiliated, bruised, abused, reviled, and lifted on the cross … .
“That day was filled with devastating, consuming sorrow that gnawed at the souls of those who loved and honored Jesus Christ. But the doom of that day did not last forever. The despair did not linger because, on Sunday, the resurrected Savior overcame the bonds of death. So no matter how dark your days are, please remember that Sunday will come … .”
I witness THAT Sunday did come! It came with hope, mercy and grace. When we turn to even glance upon the Savior, even as Moses begged his people to do when they were dying from the poison of ‘fiery serpents’ – to behold the serpent raised 5 upon that symbolic pole – to truly turn our minds and prayers to Jesus Christ, then – truly – we too can be raised out of the darkest days of despair.
Elder Mutombo continued his own witness: “Our Heavenly Father’s plan for us is happiness now and joy forever in His presence. He gives us laws and commandments and makes covenants with us to bless us. His desire, purpose, and glory are to have us return to Him … worthy of an eternity of joy in His presence.
“We know the adversary’s goal. He seeks for all to ‘be miserable like unto himself.’6… He is committed to our destruction. Satan’s program is often described as “play now and pay later.” He also tries to teach that there are never any consequences or accountability for our actions.”
I choose to focus this blog on the plan of a loving Father in Heaven for happiness and genuine lasting joy.
Although mortals, such as I am, eventually experience death (our own or that of others) we will rise from the grave to live as immortal beings without unfair misfortunes, without distress, woe, or sufferings.
Elder Mutombo reminds: “The Savior Jesus Christ confirmed the divine purpose of His Atonement, saying: ‘If ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life.7 Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.’8
Elder Mutombo reminds: “The Savior Jesus Christ confirmed the divine purpose of His Atonement, saying: ‘If ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life.7 Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.’8
"‘Come unto me’ is a divine invitation which means wherever you are now or whatever you are going through in your life, you can feel God’s infinite love manifested through His Son, Jesus Christ."
Truly, He lives.
Truly, He lives.
2. Quorum of the Seventy
3. Elder Thierry K. Mutombo, 'The Joy of a Covenant Relationship With God,'
4. David A. Bednar, ‘Ask in Faith’
5. Numbers 21:6-9
6. 2 Nephi 2:27
7. 3 Nephi 9:14
8. 3 Nephi 9:17
