He Is Risen

My calling for church is to conduct the music in Sacrament meeting. One of the great blessings of this calling is choosing the songs that we will sing. Although I am not there to lead today the opening song I chose is called "He Is Risen" on page 199 of the LDS Hymn Book. The first and third verses say the following:

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.

He is Risen! He is risen!
He hath opened heaven's gate.
We are free fom sin's dark prison,
Risen to a holier state.
And a brighter Easter beam
On our longing eyes shall stream.

While searching for songs for today, this one really hit me. He died and was risen again. He did all of this for me. He did it so that I may return to live with my Father In Heaven. I am grateful for my Brother and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am grateful that He loves me and I love Him. I am so blessed to have repentance and forgiveness in my life.
Today, EASTER SUNDAY, I want to bear my testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know that I was saved for a time when the gospel would be restored on the earth by a living prophet, Joseph Smith. I am grateful for his dedication in translating the Book of Mormon and standing up for what is right, even through tremendous persecution. I know the Book of Mormon is true. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a living and true prophet on earth today, ordained by God. I know that his words are those of my Father. I am grateful for the Holy Priesthood, for Eternal families, that I can attend the temple, and that each week I can renew my baptismal covenants with my Father. I am grateful for the gift that was given to me by my Father in Heaven at baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost. I am grateful for His constant companionship. I know it's true, the gospel is true. Christ loves each and every one of us. Because of this, He died for YOU and ME. For US. What love and unselfishness. I hope that I and all of us can live to serve and love more like our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.