Isaac and the Temple

By Jane McBride

(Based on a true story)

The author lives in Colorado, USA.

Illustrations by Alyssa Petersen

Isaac bounced up and down in his seat. He looked out the car window. They were going to visit Grandma and Grandpa. They were going to see something else special too.

“When will we see the new temple?” Isaac asked Mom.

“Tomorrow,” she said.

Isaac smiled.

Finally Isaac and his family got to Grandma and Grandpa’s house.

The next morning, Isaac got dressed in his Sunday clothes. It felt funny to wear his tie in the middle of the week. Isaac ate breakfast with his family. Then they drove to the temple open house. They were going to see inside the new temple before it was dedicated.

“I see the temple!” Isaac said. He pointed to the white building with the angel Moroni on top.

There was a Church building next to the temple. Isaac and his family went there first. They watched a video. Someone helped put white covers over their shoes.

Finally it was time to go inside the temple! Isaac walked through the temple doors. His heart felt happy.

Isaac saw lots of paintings on the walls. Some paintings showed people praying. Some paintings showed beautiful plants and animals.

Then Isaac saw a painting he liked best of all. It was a painting of Jesus! Jesus was standing with His arms stretched out.

“It looks like Jesus is opening His arms to me,” Isaac whispered to Dad.

“Jesus always has His arms open for you,” Dad whispered back. “He loves each of us.”

Isaac had a good feeling in his heart. He imagined walking next to Jesus in the temple. He imagined Jesus giving him a hug.

Jesus loves Isaac. And Isaac loves Jesus too!