There are two main points I'd personaly like to make about Easter. First stems from what many see as an inconsistency, but is really a reflection of one of our, and other Christian faith's, dominant beliefs. Our church buildings don't display a cross, in fact the cross is not used as a symbol in the Church. The cross is really only depicted in pictures of the crucifixion. Yes we believe the crucifixion happened. We believe Christ suffered and died for us. We recognize the sacrifice Jesus made and more importantly, the sacrifice His Father made in allowing His Son to die for our sakes. The crucifixion is an important historical element in the earthly ministry and reign of Christ but it pales in comparison with the resurrection.
Christ did die for us, but more importantly, He lives for us. This is the main reason that the cross is not a symbol to be dwelled on in the Church, we choose to think more of the living Christ and what He does for us every day. Christ said, “This is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” Those blessings are available to us only because of the resurrection. As Christ rose from the tomb, he gave all who will accept it, a gift. Some call it being saved, others call it being born again, but no matter what it's called, it's a gift available to all through the power and actions of Jesus Christ to all who accept Him as our Savior.
This leads me to my second point this Easter, which is really just an extension of the first. I've had the privilege of seeing many Easter presentations from many sources. While some more accurately represent the Christ depicted in the bible, all are wonderful and great reminders that are much needed during this Easter season. The bible is very clear about the resurrection and even some of the appearances and works of Christ after His resurrection. However, with few exceptions (most coming from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Easter stories tend to end at the crucifixion.
Christ rose on the third day and He lives and loves all of us now as much, or even more, then He ever has. He continues to influence our lives through His spirit. He continues to tech us through his called and set apart leaders. Christ was on this earth for roughly 30 years, this time period is known as His earthly ministry. The bible, His own words, other written scripture, and continuing revelation tell us that His earthly ministry was a very small fraction of His infinite ministry.
No the buildings belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not display crosses, but every structure from the smallest meetinghouse to the largest Temple has ornamentation that prompt the eye to look upward, upward to heaven, upward to Christ, upward to the eternity that is future.
Christ rose on the third day and He lives and loves all of us now as much, or even more, then He ever has. He continues to influence our lives through His spirit. He continues to tech us through his called and set apart leaders. Christ was on this earth for roughly 30 years, this time period is known as His earthly ministry. The bible, His own words, other written scripture, and continuing revelation tell us that His earthly ministry was a very small fraction of His infinite ministry.
No the buildings belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not display crosses, but every structure from the smallest meetinghouse to the largest Temple has ornamentation that prompt the eye to look upward, upward to heaven, upward to Christ, upward to the eternity that is future.
