Elder Jeffrey R. Holland speaks at the Sunday morning session of the 185th Annual General Conference. (LDS.org)
See more of the The Universe's coverage of the 185th Annual General Conference.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve reminded church members at the Sunday afternoon session of general conference to consistently remember the meaning of the Easter season.
He said the relevance of the Easter celebration includes the three-day series of events including the Atonement, Resurrection and everything in between to constitute 'the most important moment, the most singular sacrifice, the most consequential manifestation of divine love ever to be demonstrated in the history of the world.'
Elder Holland related the story of two boys — one brother about to fall off a cliff, and the other brother ready to grab his older brother and rescue him from death. He explained that this is similar to what the Savior does for his brothers and sisters, that he stands constantly ready to come and save fallible humans from mistakes, weaknesses and, ultimately, death.
“Although we should always remember — we promise in our weekly sacramental prayer that we will — nevertheless this is the most sacred day of the year for special remembrance of brotherly hands and determined arms that reached into the abyss of death to save us from our fallings and our failings, from our sorrows and sins.”
Elder Holland talked about understanding the role of humanity in this mortal existence. He emphasized that this existence on earth is not without hope and without life after death. “Today we celebrate (that) gift of victory over every fall we have ever experienced, every sorrow we have ever known, every discouragement we have ever had, every fear we have ever faced — to say nothing of our resurrection from death and forgiveness for our sins,' he said.
Elder Holland said the Savior's ultimate gift to humanity extends to all today and that they all can forever use and be grateful for his eternal sacrifice.