It was a tradition in the Nelson home to wake up on Easter morning and immediately start looking for my hidden Easter basket. Once I found my basket, I would open each plastic, colored egg to see what kind of candy the Easter Bunny had left for me. Honestly, I could eat Starburst Jelly Beans for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, however, the treat I cherished most was the large chocolate egg sitting on top of the fake Easter grass. Eloquently displaying the name "Graden" in beautiful white cursive (written in frosting) made this chocolate egg no ordinary treat. I valued this egg because it made me feel valued.
Now at college living away from home, there are no baskets nor chocolate eggs waiting to be found. Recently, I learned the word Easter comes from Eastre, a Norse goddess whose pagan festival was observed at the spring equinox. The association of this pagan goddess with the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ was only by adaptation and synthesis.
As a 24-year old Christian, I now celebrate Easter to commemorate and worship my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He lived on Earth as a mortal man 2,000 years ago. He lived a perfect life teaching people how to live their lives in a way that was pleasing unto God. Jesus taught, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." I feel valued knowing that the Savior of Mankind truly knows me, Graden Nelson.
Two millennia later, I am developing my personal relationship with Him. I celebrate Easter by remembering His life, sacrifice, death, and resurrection. I feel much gratitude knowing that Christ laid down his life for me. I love Him for the gift He has given me.
The LDS Church has brought the New Testament to life by producing Bible Videos. Here's a short Easter video. Enjoy!
