Narration: 

And there was one Samuel, a Lamanite, who came into the land of Zarahemla. And the voice of the Lord came unto him that he should prophecy unto the people whatsoever things should come into his heart.

And it came to pass that the people of Zarahemla would not suffer that he should enter into the city; therefore he went and got upon the wall thereof and preached repentance and faith on the Lord, Jesus Christ. 

He prophesied of a day and a night and a day with no darkness as a sign of the Savior’s birth, as well as many signs and wonders in heaven. And Samuel spoke again of another sign, a sign of His death, saying, “The sun shall be darkened and refuse to give his light unto you, even for the space of three days.” 

Lyrics: 

The sword of justice hangs o’er thee, because of thy hardened hearts

The word and Spirit of God, are soon to be removed

Heavy destruction will come, darkness awaited this land

Surely nothing can save thee, save he turn to the Lord

For I have seen, what will come, within five years, something glorious, hopeful, and bright

The Sun will set, the day will end, and despite the night, the heavens rebuke the dark

And angels will hail the coming of our King, the Father of Heaven and earth

Come as a babe to this mortal realm, to bring us back to our home

Then again the Sun will rise, as if the night never came

A day and a night and a day

A new star shall appear, such an one never seen, and shall be a sign unto you

So fall to your knees and bid your Spirit sing, for great are the works of our God!

Let awe fill your breast, and let your heart rejoice,

For cometh the Light of the World!

But thou doesn’t thy work in darkness, and thy lips are dirty and stained

Thou hides thine selves from the light, and sun has thee shackled and chained

So fall to the earth, and call upon your God, for your hearts and thoughts from Him have strayed

Believe on His name, repent of all  thy sins, by His merits and grace shall ye live

For He is full of mercy and grace! And He saves all the works of His hands!

My one desire, my only prayer, is that ye come unto Jesus, and live.

Narration: 

And it came to pass that the prophecies of the prophets began to be fulfilled more fully; for there began to be greater signs and greater miracles wrought among the people. But there were some who began to say that the time was past for the words to be fulfilled, which were spoken by Samuel, the Lamanite.

And they began to rejoice over their brethren, saying: Behold the time is past, and your joy and faith is vain.

Now it came to pass that there was a day set apart by the unbelievers, that all those who believed in those traditions should be put to death except the sign should come to pass.

And it came to pass that the words which came unto Nephi were fulfilled, according as they had been spoken; for behold, at the going down of the sun there was no darkness; and the people began to be astonished because there was no darkness when the night came. And all began to know that the Son of God must shortly appear.

Our next piece, “How Long?” is the prayer of faithful saints waiting upon the blessings and deliverance of the Lord. 

Lyrics: 

Oh Lord, where art Thou? And where dost Thou hide?

How long till we’re delivered? How long, oh Lord, how long?

Our hearts grow weary, our burdens too great to bear

How long must we suffer? How long? Oh Lord, how long?

Let Thine heart be softened, and be moved with compassion

How long? Oh Lord, how long? How long? Oh Lord, how long?

Almighty, Maker of heaven, the earth, and the seas

How long is Thy hand stayed? How long, oh Lord, how long? 

Remember Thy suff’ring children

How long canst Thou withstand their cries?

How long, oh Lord, how long?

How long, oh Lord, how long?

But if Thou see it better that our thorns not be removed

Forever, oh Lord forever, still our hearts belong to You!

How long, oh Lord, how long? Must we wait to be with Thee

To have that reunion sweet, and our pain, only mem’ries be

How long? How long?

How long, Oh Lord, how long? 

How long?

Lyrics:

I’m in awe of my Savior

I’m in awe of His goodness

I’m in awe of His love

I’m in awe

I’m in awe of my Jesus

I’m in awe of His mercy

I’m in awe of His grace

I’m in awe of my Master

I’m in awe of His beauty

I’m in awe of His truth

I’m in awe.

Narration: 

And in the thirty and fourth year, there arose a great storm, such an one as ever had been known in all the land. There was also a great and terrible tempest; and there was a terrible thunder, insomuch that it did shake the whole earth. And there was a thick darkness upon all the face of the land, insomuch that there could be no light. 

And it came to pass that it did last for the space of three days; and there was a great mourning and howling and weeping among all the people; yea, great were the groaning of the people because of the darkness and destruction which had come upon them. 

The next three pieces explore both the individual and collective experiences of those who endured the three days of darkness, and are testaments that none are truly lost unto the Lord. That even in the darkest of nights, “His hands are stretched out still”. Please enjoy this next piece entitled, “Who is God?”.

Lyrics:

Who is God?

Who is God to leave us in such darkness?

Whose hand could work so much wrath?

Who is God? It seems I do not know,

But how could I know?

Who am I, to live when others die?

Why have I been spared and others not?

What awaits us on the other side?

What will remain?

If only I’d seen, if only I’d known

Could there still be hope for my wretched soul? 

Had God come to me, had He let me in, what different kind of life could I have lived?

Who is He, whose death this man foretold?

The Son of God, who bringeth us back home,

Must surely die to save those who believe

How could I believe?

If only I’d seen, if only I’d known

Could there still be hope for my wretched soul? 

Had I come to Thee, had I let Him in, what different kind of life could I have lived?

Father please, in Thy good grace preserve me

But if I must perish in the dark

May there be ever waiting for me

A bright morning Sun

For Lord, now I see! Lord, I think I know!

There could still be hope for my wretched soul

Whatever is left, each breath in my lungs

Is given to praise Thee and Thy Holy Son

So I’ll call on Thy name, again and again

In hope that one day Thou canst call my Thy friend

So God let my prayer ascend up to Thee

That here in the darkness thy might be with me

Who is God? It seems I do not know

But I want to know

Lyrics: 

God help us, hosanna

Where there is darkness, let us sow light

Where there is hatred, let us show love

Where there is sadness, fill us with joy!

God help us, hosanna

Where there is darkness, let us sow light

Where there is hatred, let us show love

Where there is sadness, fill us with joy!

God help us, hosanna

Where there is darkness, let us sow light

Where there is hatred, let us show love

Where there is sadness, fill us with joy!

Banish all sorrow

Relieve us of longing

Soften our hatred

Fill us with joy!

Amen

Amen

Amen

Lyrics: 

As the night grows darker still

And blackened clouds gather round my head

The rain like tears fall down from the sky

Lord, dost Thou, with us also cry?

When I sleep, haunted dreams

Of blood and guilt play across my mind

Then I wake and remember my grief

I too, Lord, would hide my face from me

In Thy arms lies my fate

And by Thy hands, I my live or die

Couldst Thou spare a morsel apart 

Of Thy Holy love, of Thy hallowed heart

In Thy arms, hold me Lord

Until the darkness pass again

Until the Sun shines above my head

Hold me Lord, hold me until then

Hold me Lord, until then!

Narration: And it came to past that a voice was heard in the darkness, saying “I am the Light and the Life of the World. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.” And it came to pass that all the people of the land bore witness of it. 

And a great multitude gathered together, and they were marveling and conversing about this Jesus Christ, of whom the sign had been given concerning his death. 

And it came to pass that they heard a voice from heaven, ad they understood it not, thought it pierced them to the very center and caused their hearts to burn. The voice came again, and they understood it not. And again the voice came a third time, and they did open their ears to it and did look steadfastly to heaven. And the voice said, “Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye Him.”

And it came to pass that they saw a Man descending out of heaven, and He was clothed in a white robe.  He stretched forth His hand and spoke, saying, “Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come. Behold, I am the Light and the Life of the world.”

Lyrics:

I am not in the wind

Not the raging fire

Seek me not in the storm

Nor the quaking earth

Incline your ears, raise your eyes

I am the Light and the Life

I’m not the words on a page

Not the rod which leads to the tree

But read and cling just the same

For both will lead you to Me

Learn of Me, hear My words

And together to our home, we’ll return

I am not the bitter cup

The Father gave me to drink

I am not the altar

But the Lamb laid down for thee!

Still your heart, bend the knee

For I am the Prince of your Peace

I am the Prince of Peace

I have been with thee from the start

And someday this world will end

Even then are ye close to my heart

Your ever constant Lord and friend

Mourn not thy pain, fear not the cross

I’m the Living Son of God

Though death will come, though long the night

I am the Light and the Life

I am the Light and the Life!

Narration: 

And the Lord spake unto them saying, “Arise and come unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world. 

And the multitude went forth and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets that should come.

Lyrics:

Come unto Me, take hold of My hand

Touch the marks of My love

Feel the prints in my feet, the wound in my side

And know that I am your God

Alleluia, alleluia

Blest be the name of our God

Alleluia, alleluia

Blest be the name of our God

Come unto Me, ye broken and burdened

By sin and weakness oppressed

My bowels are filled with compassion t'ward you

Come unto Me and be whole!

Alleluia, alleluia

Blest be the name of our God

Alleluia, alleluia

Blest be the name of our God

Go forth and sing of Heaven's great mercy! 

Christ the Savior has come!

Come and rejoice, the Hope of all Israel

Come and abide in His love!

Alleluia, alleluia

Alleluia, alleluia

Alleluia, alleluia!

Lyrics:

Give me a song that can open the windows of Heaven

Give me a song that can make the mountains weep

Sing sacred melodies to my unworthy ear

Lord, please give me a song

Give me a voice that can beckon men and angels to Thee

Give me a voice to make deafened ears incline

I would sing blessed melodies and give endless praise

Lord, please give me a voice

Oh that I had the words to convey all the depths of my heart

Give me the words to describe the fire within

I'd pen holy melodies of worship and love

Lord, please give me the words

Let me sound as the trumpets of Heav'n!

Let us sing and rejoice in Thy name!

A chorus of angels and men!

Give me a song that can temper the raging tempest

Give me a song that can calm my fretful heart

I'd pen hallowed melodies to bring me to Him

And all with the heart to listen

Amen, amen, amen.

Narration:

And it came to pass that Jesus commanded his disciples to bring forth some bread and wine unto him. And while they were gone for bread and wine, he commanded the multitude that they should sit themselves down upon the earth.

And He took of the bread and brake and blessed it; and he gave unto the disciples and commanded that they should eat. And when they had eaten and were filled, he commanded that they should give unto the multitude.

And He spoke, saying, ”This shall ye always observe to do, even as I have done, even as I have broken bread and blessed it and given it unto you.

And this shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which I have shown unto you. And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.

And it came to pass that when he said these words, he commanded his disciples that they should take of the wine and drink of it, and that they should also give unto the multitude.

And it came to pass that they did so, and did drink of it and were filled; and they gave unto the multitude, and they did drink, and they were filled. 

And He spoke again, saying, “And this shall ye always do to in remembrance of my blood, which I have shed for you, that ye may witness unto the Father that ye do always remember me."

Lyrics:

One sinless Man, come to a sinful world

Temptations bear, sorrow, hunger, grief, and pain

The weight of love, upon His shoulders strong

Because of joy, set before Him He prolonged

Let us remember

Let us remember Him

Lest we fall, lest we fall

Let us revere His name

Lest we fall, lest we fall again

A bitter cup, the burden of our peace

Despite Himself, the Lord, for love, did drink

Let us remember

Let us remember Him

Lest we fall, lest we fall

Let us revere His name

Lest we fall, lest we fall again

From every pore, the Lord cried crimson tears

A heavy heart, weighed with longing, wrath, and fear

Let us remember, let us remember

Oh let us remember, remember Him!

A simple cup, in mem'ry of His blood

A piece of bread, a body broken, bruised for us

Let us remember, remember Him

Narration: 

And Jesus spoke and said, “Behold, my time is at hand”

“I perceived that ye are weak, that ye cannot understand all my words which I am commanded to speak. Therefore, go ye unto your homes and ponder upon the things which I have said. Prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again.”

And Jesus cast His eyes round about on the multitude, and beheld they were in tears, and did look steadfastly upon him as if they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them.

And He said unto them, “My bowels are filled with compassion toward you. Have ye any sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them.”

And all the multitude did go forth with those who were afflicted in any manner, and he did heal them all. 

Lyrics:

Go to your homes, pray, prepare

For tomorrow I come again

I see your tears, I hear your hearts

You wish that I might not go

My heart is filled with compassion

I would that I might stay

Have ye any sick among you?

Or lame or blind or maimed?

Bring them here, bring them here

Bring them here, bring them here

I see the silent, mournful cries you hide within

Come and speak them aloud to me

Take the darkness and the pains of your soul

Oh come, lay them down at My feet

My heart is filled with compassion

I would that I might stay

Have ye any sick among you?

Or lame or blind or maimed?

Bring them here, bring them here

Bring them here, bring them here!

Let Me take the weight you hold

Your burdens are Mine to bear

They are not heavy to Me

Bring them here!

Lyrics:

Listen little ones, there was a time so long ago

We all lived in heaven, but we knew we had to go

The Father shared a wondrous plan, but we needed a Savior

Jesus spoke, "Here I am, Father send Thou Me!"

Said the Holy One for the little ones like you.

He came as a baby, just like you and just like me

He stayed close to Heaven, so one He'd our Savior be

His favor grew, with God and man, and day by day, our Savior

Learned and loved and cried and laughed,

And choice by choice, and piece by piece,

A little one became the Holy One, for you!

He healed the sick and raised the dead

Blessings He gave, and sermons said

He stood between us and grief and sin and pain, for you, for me

And on the cross, death He defied, The Lord for us was crucified

Now ev'ry evil giv'n to us in the joy of Christ is swallowed up!

In the joy of Christ is swallowed up

The best of us, slain for the rest of us, me and you

Listen, little one, there was a time not long ago

When I saw the Savior, I then believed, but now I know!

He called the children up to Him, and took them on His knee

He kissed and blessed them one by one, and taught them all these things

And though you may not see His face, we can feel His peace

Go to Him in perfect faith, and you too may believe

The Holy One loves the little ones like you

He loves you, He loves you!