Early on Sunday morning of the first Easter over two thousand years ago, Mary Magdalene and “Mary the mother of James” came to Christ's sepulchre to anoint his body. To their surprise, they discovered that He was no longer there, but in His place they found an angel “standing on the right”. The angel then asked “Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen.” 

The angel declared to them, as well as to us and all those who believe in Christ and His resurrection, that He lives. That death could not hold Him. That He rose again the third day as He taught His disciples would happen. 

His death and resurrection provide for us the opportunity to also be resurrected. His life and teachings provide for us the way to live eternally and, as we seek after Him and diligently keep His commandments, to live eternally with Him and our Father in Heaven. I love the words of Hymn #199, “He is Risen!”

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.

I add my testimony to those angels and to the testimonies of Christians across the earth, that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. I testify that He knows us and loves us. I testify that He is in the details of our lives and that He knows how to support us and help us through our trials and adversities. I testify that He lives, and that truly, He is risen!

President Joe Hakes

2nd Counselor, Farmington NM Stake