There are two sides to Easter: the serious and solemn; and then the fun part – the bit for children and those who like chocolate and spring.
I think back with fond memories to my childhood in Scotland, when we would often celebrate Easter by going for a picnic with my family. We went up the Sidlaw Hills and, once settled, we would begin the egg ritual. My granny would have spent considerable time boiling eggs the night before, with different concoctions to make them different colours. The eggs would all have various expressions drawn on them, and wool would sometimes be stuck on for hair. I probably had some chocolate eggs as well, but I can’t really remember them–what you hold in your memory is the love and effort that goes into something, rather than how good it tastes. I knew that I was loved by these people who found it impossible to tell me in any other way but this.
In my last year of teaching Year 1 children, I decided to share the real message of Easter with the children in my class. I borrowed the video of He is Risen, a cartoon version of the Easter story. The children sat and watched intently, which was a miracle in itself. At the end of the video, they were full of amazement, all asking questions. One boy asked if he would see his deceased grandfather again. Hearing the children ask these questions and being able to answer them made it feel as if I was hearing the message for the first time myself. I stopped and thought about how much I had taken this truly miraculous event for granted.
These are the nice, hopeful elements of the Easter story. It is difficult to talk about the more upsetting side of the Saviour’s sacrifice– It is almost unbearable to imagine all the indignities and humiliating experiences that He went through, and yet I think we need to. In this we can show that we appreciate what was done for us in the Garden of Gethsemane, as well as on the cross and it can also give us so much comfort.
The Saviour knew before He was born that this was to be His mission. I think it is entirely possible that we too knew and accepted our mission and our trials and disappointments before we came to earth, perhaps we even volunteered for some of them. From our secure heavenly home it undoubtedly seemed entirely reasonable that we would be able to cope with them and endure with fortitude until we could return with honour to our Father in Heaven. However, although we may have been prepared intellectually and physically to cope with all our earthly cares, once we were mortal beings the spiritual and emotional toll can be far greater than ever expected when the veil is drawn.
Elder Holland gave an insightful talk about the miracles surrounding Easter. He said “Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path—the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel.”(1)
I think that all the things I have spoken about are linked. It is appropriate to remember the family times that I had when I was growing up, the way love and family bonds were expressed through traditions such as decorated boiled eggs. Many of those family members have died now, but because of the Atonement and the Resurrection of the Saviour, I know I am sealed to them forever and that we will rejoice together again. I take great comfort in thinking that I can have the companionship of family members from beyond the veil now to support me on my mortal journey.
Although Easter is a solemn and serious time, it is also a joyful one. I am so grateful to my Saviour and Heavenly Father for loving us even though they knew we would sin and fall short time and time again. They loved us enough to provide a Saviour so that we could be saved. I know that They live and that they love us still.
1. Jeffrey R. Holland, 'None Were With Him,' Liahona, May 2009, 88