And We Talk of Christ
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin by sharing a personal experience where a small act of faith or a symbol of Christ made a significant impact on your day or interactions with others.
- Invite class members to share what Easter traditions they have in their families and how they incorporate Christ into those traditions.
- Show a picture of the new Church symbol and ask the class what it represents to them and how it can be a reminder of Christ in their daily lives.
- Read the story from the introduction about the customs officer and Lesa's picture of Christ, and ask the class how small reminders of Christ have influenced their interactions with others.
- Play a short clip of a choir singing a hymn about Christ and ask class members to reflect on the feelings and thoughts that come to mind about the Savior.
Topics
Share the Light of Christ
Elder Stevenson emphasized the importance of sharing the light of Christ through our actions and interactions. He shared a personal experience where a picture of Christ changed the demeanor of a customs officer, illustrating the power of Christ's light in connecting people.
This small picture of the Savior connected the hearts of two otherwise disconnected strangers. It transformed the impersonal to personal, capturing the beauty, the miracle, and the reality of the Light of Jesus Christ.
- How can we share the light of Christ in our daily interactions?
- Have you ever experienced a moment where Christ's light changed a situation for you or someone else?
- What are some small ways we can remind ourselves of Christ throughout the day?
- Why do you think a simple picture of Christ had such a profound impact in Elder Stevenson's story?
- How can we ensure that Christ is at the center of our lives, as suggested by the Church symbol?
Focus on Christ in Church Messaging
Elder Stevenson discussed various adjustments made by Church leadership to focus more on Jesus Christ, such as retiring the name "Mormon Church" and emphasizing Christ-centered art and music. These changes are meant to help members center their lives on Christ.
We could cite numerous examples of adjustments and enhancements announced by the First Presidency that are designed to focus us on Jesus Christ.
- What changes have you noticed in the Church that help focus more on Christ?
- How does the correct name of the Church influence our identity as followers of Christ?
- What role does art and music play in helping us focus on the Savior?
- How can we make Christ the center of our personal lives, similar to how the Church has made Him the center of its messaging?
- Why is it important to have Christ-centered themes in youth programs?
Celebrate a Higher and Holier Easter
Elder Stevenson encouraged members to elevate their Easter celebrations to focus more on Christ's Atonement and Resurrection. He shared examples of activities that incorporate spiritual dimensions into Easter traditions, making it a season of reflection and worship.
We have been encouraged to move to a higher and holier celebration of Easter.
- How can we make Easter a more Christ-centered celebration in our homes?
- What are some traditions you have that help focus on the Savior during Easter?
- Why is it important to celebrate Easter as a season rather than just a day?
- How can we involve our children in meaningful Easter traditions that teach about Christ?
- What does a higher and holier Easter look like to you?
Understand the Significance of the Church Symbol
The new Church symbol introduced by President Nelson places Christ at the center, reminding members that He should be central in their lives. The symbol includes the Christus statue, representing the resurrected Savior and His outstretched arms inviting all to come unto Him.
The symbol includes the name of the Church contained within a cornerstone, a reminder that Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone.
- What does the Church symbol mean to you personally?
- How does the image of Christ under the arch in the symbol represent the Resurrection?
- Why is it important for Christ to be the cornerstone of our lives?
- How can the Church symbol serve as a daily reminder of our commitment to follow Christ?
- What do the outstretched arms of the Christus statue symbolize to you?
Affirm the Literal Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Elder Stevenson reaffirmed the doctrine of the literal Resurrection of Jesus Christ, emphasizing its central role in the gospel message. He cited C.S. Lewis and the Apostles" teachings to highlight the Resurrection as the core of Christian faith.
We affirm our doctrine that "the Resurrection means that all who have ever lived will be resurrected, and the Resurrection is literal."
- Why is the literal Resurrection of Jesus Christ so central to our faith?
- How does the promise of resurrection affect your perspective on life and death?
- What are some ways we can testify of the Resurrection in our daily lives?
- How can we strengthen our understanding and testimony of the Resurrection?
- What role does the Resurrection play in the plan of salvation?
Additional Discussion Questions
- How can we better 'talk of Christ' in our daily conversations?
- What are some ways to incorporate Christ-centered art into our homes?
- How can we help others understand the significance of Easter beyond a secular holiday?
- What does it mean to you to 'come unto Christ'?
- How can we teach children about the Resurrection in meaningful ways?
- In what ways can the Atonement of Jesus Christ bring peace and hope into our lives?
- How do living prophets help us focus on Christ today?
- What impact does the belief in resurrection have on how we live our lives?
- How can we use symbols, like the Church symbol, to remind us of Christ daily?
- What are some personal experiences where you felt the power of the Resurrection in your life?
