“Hosanna and Hallelujah—The Living Jesus Christ: The Heart of Restoration and Easter (excerpts),” New Era, May 2020, 30–31.
Hosanna and Hallelujah—The Living Jesus Christ: The Heart of Restoration and Easter (excerpts)
In celebrating the ongoing Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we also prepare for Easter. In both, we rejoice in the return of Jesus Christ. …
The sacred events between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday are the story of hosanna and hallelujah. Hosanna is our plea for God to save. Hallelujah expresses our praise to the Lord for the hope of salvation and exaltation. In hosanna and hallelujah we recognize the living Jesus Christ as the heart of Easter and latter-day restoration. …
On Easter Sunday, April 3, 1836, … the living Jesus Christ appeared after the Kirtland Temple was dedicated. …
Following the appearance of Jesus Christ, Moses, Elias, and Elijah also came. …
… Elijah’s appearance coincided, though not by coincidence, with the Jewish Passover season, which tradition reverently anticipates Elijah’s return. …
… Elijah did come as promised, at Easter and the onset of Passover. …
… Passover remembers the deliverance of the children of Israel from 400 years of bondage. …
… [Passover] represents Jesus Christ ultimately overcoming death. …
Today we celebrate restoration and resurrection. …
… In these times, we can learn much of God’s goodness and our divine potential for God’s love to grow in us as we seek Him and reach out to each other. …
… At this season of hosanna and hallelujah, sing hallelujah—for He shall reign forever and ever! Shout hosanna, to God and the Lamb!