Celebrating Easter with Reverence and Gratitude

Reflecting on the Easter season, President Russell M. Nelson said in the 2018 April general conference:

“Nothing could be more fitting than to commemorate the most important event that ever occurred on this earth by worshipping the most important being who ever walked this earth. In this, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we worship Him who commenced His infinite Atonement in the Garden of Gethsemane. . .

“Without our Redeemer’s infinite Atonement, not one of us would have hope of ever returning to our Heavenly Father. Without His Resurrection, death would be the end. Our Savior’s Atonement made eternal life a possibility and immortality a reality for all.”¹

Here, President Paula Tukulua Laumape, first counsellor in the Auckland Papatoetoe Stake presidency, shares his own thoughts on the Atonement of our Saviour Jesus Christ, and how he and his family celebrate Easter with reverence and gratitude:

“As a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I have learned to focus my Easter celebration on our Lord Jesus Christ because He is the reason for Easter. It is not about me having a break from work and a good time fishing with friends, but it is a special time to celebrate—with our families—the life and sacrifices that our Lord Jesus Christ made for us. He is the greatest gift that our Heavenly Father has given us.

“Our family celebrates Easter season by getting together and sharing meals, watching Church movies, and talking about the atoning sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ and His victory over death. The Lord reminded us that He is the Resurrection and the life. He who believes in Him, though he may die, he shall live. We are always reminded of our Lord’s sacrifice for us every Sunday in partaking of the sacrament. We try to follow what He taught us and His example, to visit the sick and help those who need our help. I am forever grateful to our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ’s love. To show my love to them, I try to keep their commandments and my covenants with them.”