May 21, 2025, 4:53pm MDT
Two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ entered the holy city of Jerusalem, and was welcomed by a crowd who waved the leaves of his palms and placed branches and cloaks before him (Matthew 21:1–11; John 12:27–36). That winning entry marked the beginning of his final week of death.
Today, Latter-day Saints around the world remember these sacred events, but are also trying to bring them closer to Christ through modern expressions of faith.
One of these expressions came in 2000 when the first president and quorum of the 12 apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints published “Living Christ: Testimony of the Apostle.”
“When you want to learn more about Jesus Christ, I urge you to study the “living Christ,”” President Russell M. Nelson confirmed the importance of this modern witness of the Savior.
Now, 25 years after the document was published, Latter-day Saints in Cwmbran, Wales found power and meaning in the words. During stake prayers held at Palm Sunday, members gathered to celebrate “The Living Christ” rather than simply commemorate Easter.
The evening included music, the Bible, personal testimony, and unique videos created by young adults in their stakes.
The main children of CWMBRAN district performed the production “I’ll walk with Jesus” and the congregation took part in other hymns and reflections. Young people greeted guests at the door with smiles and “religious greetings, general Easter greetings, funny Easter puns,” and began an Easter week where families gathered to focus on the Savior.
“It was great to bring a smile to each of our faces,” said Matthew Gilmore, a young man who helped welcome attendees.
His brother, Caleb Gilmore, said he really loved the opportunity to sing “I walk with Jesus.” He added that he loves songs.
Their brother, Arthur Gilmore, simply said, “It was my favourite night.”
But for many, the heart of prayer was a video project organized and produced by young adults in the stake.
The video featured individuals who shared their thoughts and testimonies about “The Living Christ.” This is a project that has become both a public testimony and a private spiritual journey. In preparation for the video, many young adults remembered “The Living Christ.”
“I loved taking part in the celebration of the ‘living Christ’ betting. I think it made this Easter very special,” Solia Olecan said. “As young adults, we put together a video sharing our bets and talk about how “living Christ” makes us feel. This experience was beautiful. It was wonderful to hear and encourage each other’s testimony to grow, and I felt the love of the Savior and the joy of his life. ”
Olecan said he loves being able to watch videos of her and her peers, saying, “Watching it puts a smile on my face right away. … The spirit definitely shines in the video.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfesrfhoi4c
For others in the stake, the evening was more than just an activity. It was the moment to turn our eyes to the Savior Himself.
“Easter is a special celebration of our Savior’s love and sacrifice,” said Helen Hutchinson. “Our Stake Palm Sunday Easter celebration was a lovely start to Holy Week. Focusing on the “The Living Christ” declaration was a unique way to honor and remember the Savior’s love, life and sacrifice.
The event took place on Palm Sunday, but its focus was more than an Easter season event. It became the testimony of Jesus Christ – his death and resurrection, and most importantly, his ongoing reality as a living Christ.
Olecan said, “Overall, it was a really great night and that uplifting part of my Easter Week.”
The victory entries that began long ago with palm branches and praise continue today with words, songs and testimony. For members of the CWMBRAN Wales stake, “living Christ” is not a declaration from the prophets or apostles. Now it is their own disciple declaration.
