Easter Reflections

This beautiful, life-sized sculpture of Christ, called "Come Unto Me," was recently created by Angela Johnson. It is one of her thirteen sculptures that are now on display at our Visitor's Center here in St. George (until 1 July '08). Anna came to visit and took this picture---thanks Anna! The missionaries take small groups of people on a tour through the sculptures--it is usually a very sweet experience for each person.

I chose this image of the Savior for Easter because it shows a loving Christ after His resurrection. The unthinkable sorrow He suffered on the cross for each us is now completed and He is able to ask us in perfect love to follow Him. There is no hypocrisy in His request to come unto Him ---only His pure, godly love for each one of us personally and the example of His perfect life. His love seems beyond our capacity to fully comprehend during earth life, but it is within our reach---when we reach out to Him. The way we reach out to Him is to have faith in Him and follow His commandments and endure in righteousness to the end.

This sculpture (picture also taken by Anna) is called, "His Gathering." "O ye house of Israel whom I have spared, how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart." 3 Nephi 10:6

When Jesus likens God to a hen (Matthew 23:37), He shows that God has longings--desires--to bring His children to Himself. God is a protector. In effect, when the Lord 'spread His wings' to protect His children, He died on their behalf. In the days ahead when the righteous will be gathered to Christ as they have been instructed, the Lord will symbolically raise the wings of His power to cover and protect His own. This will require us to have the humility and wisdom to live so we can know the exquisite joy of being 'gathered' by Christ.

As you can tell from these examples, the sculptures bring a wonderful spirit to observers. We missionaries are blessed to be a part of the experience.

Erik, Michelle and children came to see us for a few days--we learned that we can perform our missionary responsibilities and, at the same time, stay connected to and visit with family members. We really appreciate the sacrifice and effort's of Erik and Michelle.

May each of you enjoy an Easter Season that brings you closer to our Savior. May you know of our great love for you and of our gratitude for the blessings we receive from the God of us all.