Brooke's Grandpa, Allen Paul Pack Senior, baptized her on Feb.22nd, 2014 at 9am in the morning.
It was such an incredibly special day that Brooke waited for excitedly all year long. I think it is really special that Brooke can think back and remember that special day with some exact words that were stated by memory in the first talk given by Brother David Shumway. The words stated were from the Living Christ.
Brooke, I hope that you can remember these words and feel of our Savior's love for you, and never forget the witnesses left by the Apostles and Prophets who have sacrificed everything, even their lives for Jesus Christ's Gospel.
Here is some information on what the Living Christ is, as well the document copied below. The spirit and message from the Living Christ was felt very strongly this day of Brooke's baptism, as these special words were stated. I, recall Grandpa Pack had tears in his eyes I am sure because he knows so deeply of the truth that is witnessed through this testimony.
The Living Christ
When the 11 Apostles of Jesus’s day met to choose a man to replace Judas
Iscariot, Peter stated that the new Apostle must be “a witness with us
of [Christ’s]
resurrection” (
Acts 1:22). Later, the record states, the Apostles “with great power gave … witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus” (
Acts 4:33). The prophets, seers, and revelators of our day are also “special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world” (
D&C 107:23).
They publicly declared their testimony in “The Living Christ: The
Testimony of the Apostles” on January 1, 2000. In a letter to priesthood
leaders introducing this publication, Presidents Gordon B. Hinckley,
Thomas S. Monson, and James E. Faust of the First Presidency wrote:
As we commemorate the birth of
Jesus Christ
two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His
matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice.
None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and
will yet live upon the earth.
He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the
New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth.
“All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made
that was made” (
John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (
Acts 10:38),
yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and
goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of
Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the
dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal
existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the
sons and daughters of God in the life to come.
He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning
sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted
to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His
life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious
gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.
We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human
history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the
Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the
Redeemer of the world.
He rose from the grave to “become the firstfruits of them that slept” (
1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His “other sheep” (
John 10:16)
in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to
the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised “dispensation of the
fulness of times” (
Ephesians 1:10).
Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: “His eyes were as a
flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his
countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as
the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah,
saying:
“I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (
D&C 110:3–4).
Of Him the Prophet also declared: “And now, after the many
testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of
all, which we give of him: That he lives!
“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the
voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—
“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were
created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters
unto God” (
D&C 76:22–24).
We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church
have been restored upon the earth—“built upon the foundation of . . .
apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner
stone” (
Ephesians 2:20).
We testify that He will someday return to earth. “And the glory of
the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (
Isaiah 40:5).
He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every
knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each
of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the
desires of our hearts.
We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the
Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel,
who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the
life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to
happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be
thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.
