AS A MISSIONARY in France, I shared a movie called “Together Forever” with those we were teaching. The film emphasizes that our happiest memories often come from time spent with family. It also conveys that our loving Heavenly Father understands the source of true happiness and desires for family relationships to endure forever.

This is the essence of the plan of salvation — a path that allows us to return to live with our Heavenly Father and our loved ones for eternity.

My daughter’s smartphone recently slipped out of her pocket as she got into our truck, and just as she closed the door, it got crushed. The screen shattered, and the phone was bent beyond repair. It turns out smartphones don’t hold up well against a truck door. This little device — packed with incredible technology — was instantly reduced to something useless. It makes you think that nothing will last forever.

While our smart devices may not last forever, the Lord has made it possible for His most precious work to endure eternally. God declares, “For behold, this is my work and my glory — to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man,” (Moses 1:39).

Our devices may seem miraculous, but if we turn our lives over to God, He can work miracles in our lives and shape us into something far greater than we could ever achieve on our own. While our vision is limited by mortality, God sees us with an eternal perspective and will guide us toward our true potential.

As Easter approaches, we reflect on Jesus Christ’s victory over death — a foundational belief in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and most other Christian faiths. His resurrection was literal. He is glorified, resurrected and lives today.

Jesus Christ was the first to be resurrected and, because of Him, all who have ever lived will also be resurrected. This promise fills us with gladness, as we sing with exuberance:

“He lives! All glory to His name!

He lives, my Savior, still the same.

Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives,

I know that my Redeemer lives!”

The doctrine of the Resurrection brings hope to all who have lost loved ones. Just as Jesus Christ rose from the tomb, so will we all rise from the grave.

I can’t adequately express how much this gospel truth — the true meaning of Easter — has been a source of comfort as we have mourned the passing of our daughter, my mother, my mother-in-law and my father-in-law over the past three years. It has given me joy in the midst of tribulation, hope in times of grief and a firm foundation that has kept me from falling into despair.

This is what the celebration of Easter is for me.

I look forward to Easter, with church worship services at 9 a.m. and noon on Easter Sunday. Easter is one of the holiest days in our faith. President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency described the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as “the most glorious event in history.”

With thanksgiving and jubilation, we sing:

“He is risen! He is risen!

Tell it out with joyful voice.

He has burst His three days’ prison;

Let the whole wide earth rejoice.

Death is conquered; man is free.

Christ has won the victory.”

What greater comfort could we offer a grieving friend than the assurance that their separation from a loved one is only temporary?

Enthusiastically, we sing:

“He is risen! He is risen!

He hath opened heaven’s gate.

We are free from sin’s dark prison,

Risen to a holier state.

And a brighter Easter beam,

On our longing eyes shall stream.”

Oh, what a glorious message to share — He is risen! Because He is risen, our relations can endure beyond the grave and families can be together forever. What a beautiful promise of hope for all believers.

At this time of Easter, I cheerfully declare: “He is risen!”

_________

Issues of Faith is a rotating column by religious leaders on the North Olympic Peninsula. Bishop Jason Bringhurst is the leader of the Mount Pleasant Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Port Angeles, ComeUntoChrist.org. His email is jasonbring@gmail.com.