Easter Talk by Ruby

 Brothers and Sisters, welcome! Today our hearts are filled with joy as we commemorate Easter, the day our Savior, Jesus Christ, broke the bands of death and rose in glorious victory after a time of great despair and uncertainty. As we reflect on this ultimate act of love and power, we will also consider what the promises fulfilled at Easter teach us about preparing for His eventual return.

First and foremost, preparing for the Second Coming requires us to deeply trust in God. This trust is built upon our faith. As the scripture in Ether 12:6 teaches us, 'Faith is things which are hoped for and not seen.' Think of the disciples during those three days between the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. They could not see the impending miracle, yet those who held onto hope and the Savior's promises were witnesses to the greatest triumph in history. Similarly, if we want to develop this essential faith, we must actively work to obtain it. We can diligently read the scriptures, which deepens our understanding of God's plan and the Savior's sacrifice, inviting His Spirit. Consistent daily prayer opens the channels of communication, allowing us to feel His personal love and guidance. And by striving to follow the commandments, we demonstrate our willingness to align our lives with His will, bringing us closer to Him and the peace that comes from obedience. This cultivated faith will be a beacon in the days leading up to the Second Coming, helping us to stand firm in truth and recognize the Lord's hand.





Now, let's consider the vital principle of repentance. Jesus Christ initiated the Atonement for us in the Garden of Gethsemane. As the poignant Primary song "Gethsemane" teaches, 'He suffered all that was sad, wicked or bad. All the pain we could ever know.' Indeed, Jesus suffered incredible pain – pain so profound that He sweated great drops of blood. He suffered not only for our sins but also our pains, afflictions, and temptations of every kind, that He might know according to the flesh how to succor us (Alma 7:11-13). Knowing there would be even more agony to come, He prayed to His Father, our Heavenly Father, that if possible, the bitter cup might pass from Him. However, in perfect obedience and love, He submitted to the Father's will (Matthew 26:39). Because of this profound suffering, He made it possible for us to overcome sin through repentance. Understanding the depth of His sacrifice underscores the importance of our willingness to repent and turn to Him.
Keeping the commandments is an essential part of God's plan for our eternal progression, and it's also a vital way we show our love and gratitude for the immense sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ. When we strive to love one another as He loved us (John 13:34-35), we are learning to live in unity and peace, preparing us for His future reign. Obeying our parents fosters respect for authority and order, principles that are essential in God's kingdom (Ephesians 6:1-3). And as we serve others, we mirror the Savior's own life of selfless service and develop Christlike love and compassion, qualities that will be paramount in His presence (Matthew 25:34-40). Keeping these and all of God's commandments helps us grow spiritually, develop Christlike attributes, and become more worthy to stand before Him at His Second Coming.

In conclusion, Brothers and Sisters, we have discussed essential ways to prepare for the Second Coming of our Savior: by building unwavering faith, by embracing the gift of repentance, and by living according to God's commandments. Let us take the lessons of Easter – the triumph over darkness and death – as our guide. As we diligently apply these principles in our daily lives, we will be filled with greater peace, joy, and readiness for the day when He will come again. May we all strive to be found watching and prepared, our hearts filled with love and anticipation.