Because of Him

This upcoming weekend we are taking a trip to Orlando for our "babymoon" so I won't be in my ward on Sunday.  However, I have such a good idea of what I want the youth to study/share that I really hope it will work out even in my absence.

This year, April 20, 2013 is Easter.

The Meaning of Easter

The sun rises up over the vast cityscape of Jerusalem, lighting the white limestone walls of the old city and creeping over buildings.  Just north of the walls, a garden sits undisturbed.

Shortly, a throng of tourists will arrive and take their spots on the benches overlooking the garden.  Some will descend the steps to the lowest point in the garden, quietly duck through a door carved in stone, and stare reverently into a hollowed portion of the rock where a body was laid to rest over two thousand years ago.  As they leave, they will notice a sign on the door: "He is not here, for He is risen."

The tourists don't come to the Garden Tomb because this is where they hope Jesus was buried; they come because they hope this is where Jesus did what had never been done before - He lived again.

God sent Jesus to earth to teach us a better way to live.  Though his ministry lasted only three years, His teachings have influenced billions for nearly two millennia.  But the greatest gift Jesus gave to us was His life.  He paid the price for our sins, died on the cross, and rose from the dead - providing a way for each one of us to return and live with God someday.

Show the following videos to all of the youth (I'm really hoping we can agree to have our three classes combined for this week), and then have a testimony meeting.

Because of Him
The video below is from YouTube and cannot be shown in churches.  However, you can go to the church's official website to watch the original video HERE.

His Sacred Name - An Easter Declaration

Again, the video below is from YouTube and cannot be shown in churches.  However, you can go to the church's official website to watch the original video HERE.

Invite the youth to think about what the Atonement means to them.  Think about what Jesus Christ has done for you in your life.  Think about how you feel when you study His teachings and read His gospel.  What do the Savior's name, life and sacrifice mean to you?   What will you do to remember Him?

How can you share your testimony of Christ to others and emulate your love for Him?

Challenge the youth to share one or both of these videos, along with a short testimony using the hashtag #BecauseofHim, TODAY on either Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.  Invite them to come back next week ready to share the experiences they had and the responses they received from friends and family members.