The Atonement and Little Children

How little children understand and experience the Atonement is a question that LDS songwriter, Shawna Edwards, found herself pondering when she felt inspired to create a new Easter song for the children in her ward Primary titled: The Miracle.

After I heard the song and was deeply touched by it, I was fortunate to be introduced to Shawna, via Facebook. I told her that I wanted to share her beautiful song with my blog readers and that --  I'd love to quote you about what inspired you to write the song, create the video and your hopes for when people see/hear it -- along with any other thoughts/information you'd like to share. I love adding a personal touch whenever possible.

I am so glad I asked her those questions, because she messaged me and let me know that she "took some time and wrote the story of the song: http://www.shawnaedwards.com/

She begins her story by explaining how the idea to write the song came about:

"“Jesus is a God of Miracles.” That was the primary theme of the month, and I wanted a song to go with it. I scoured all the typical sources to find that song, but no luck. So I decided to write one. 

We often talk about the wondrous miracles of Jesus Christ — walking on the water, healing the blind, raising the dead. Even when we say the word “miracle,” that’s what we think of. So of course, I began the first verse with the typical lyric lines…. And then I got to the chorus. What more could I say about His miracles? And what could I say that would help the children connect to those stories, two thousand years ago and half a world away?"

She goes on to share:

"I know that’s not a terribly unique or profound thought. True believers understand that the Atonement is the most significant and central act of all time. True believers understand that without it, all mankind would be hopelessly, eternally lost. But that, again, is a difficult concept for children. It’s a difficult concept for anyone! And so, I made it personal. Not the miracle that rescues US, but the miracle that rescues ME. 

I wanted to make it clear how personal the Atonement is, how uniquely suited to individual needs, inadequacies, and struggles. I could talk forever about how Jesus Christ atoned for the sins of the whole human family, but until I understand that Jesus Christ atoned for ME, I don’t begin to understand the Atonement. I wanted the children to know that He loves each one of them every bit as much as He loved the children of his time and place, and that just as He ministered to them one by one, so He does to us. MY name is graven on His hands. And yours is, too."

Easter Video: The Miracle 

I was so touched by this beautiful Easter song, The Miracle, and now I love it even more after Shawna so kindly shared her very personal experience of how it came to be. I am so grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ and what His great sacrifice means to me and my family. I have said many times that Eternal Life would have little meaning (to me) if it was not possible to be with my family.  And for that "miracle" I am profoundly and deeply in debt to our Savior, for making it possible for each one of us to be made clean whereby we might enter into the presence of the Lord, once again.

As this Easter Season is upon us, may each of us take the time to ponder the Atonement for ourselves -- the greatest love story of all -- and how we might also share this message with our friends and family.

This special Easter video, I feel, is a lovely way to share our testimony of Jesus Christ and what His Atonement means to us personally.  Perhaps when you share it, you could include your own simple testimony as a brief comment and use hashtag #BecauseHeLives.


tDMg
Kathryn Skaggs

Easter Message to the World From Living Prophet of God
Thomas S. Monson, a living prophet of God, has an Easter Message from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that he wants to share with the world! And he's hoping that you and I will help him, by sharing the video entitled"His Sacred Name - An Easter Declaration" with your family and loved ones.

Tell Me the Stories of Jesus - Neil L. Andersen

"Do our children know about His perfect life, His selfless ministry, His betrayal and cruel Crucifixion? Have we testified to them of the certainty of His Resurrection, of His visit to the Nephites in the Americas, of His appearance to the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove?"

That Our Children Might See the Face of the Savior - Cheryl C. Lant

"It is our sacred responsibility as parents and leaders of this rising generation of children to bring them to the Savior so that they might see His face and the face of our Father in Heaven as well. As we do so, we also bring ourselves."

The Miracle of the Atonement April 2011 General Conference

The Messiah came to redeem men from the Fall of Adam.  Everything in the gospel of Jesus Christ points toward the atoning sacrifice of the Messiah, the Son of God.