3 Nephi 8-11

Moving into timeline mode for this content ... starting at 3 Nephi chapter 8:2, 5

"And now it came to pass, if there was no mistake made by this man in the reckoning of our time, the thirty and third year had passed away;

And it came to pass in the thirty and fourth year, in the first month, on the fourth day of the month, there arose a great storm, such an one as never had been known in all the land."

After some details of what transpired during the storm, 3 Nephi 8:19 continues:

"And it came to pass that when the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the storm, and the tempest, and the quakings of the earth did cease—for behold, they did last for about the space of three hours; and it was said by some that the time was greater; nevertheless, all these great and terrible things were done in about the space of three hours—and then behold, there was darkness upon the face of the land."

In the darkness, the voice of Christ is heard and he speaks to the people - see 3 Nephi chapter 9.  This revelation is followed by silence ... astonished silence ... and then the voice of Christ is heard again, see 3 Nephi chapter 10:4-7. 

Resuming at 3 Nephi 10:18-19 

"And it came to pass that in the ending of the thirty and fourth year, behold, I will show unto you that the people of Nephi who were spared, and also those who had been called Lamanites, who had been spared, did have great favors shown unto them, and great blessings poured out upon their heads, insomuch that soon after the ascension of Christ into heaven he did truly manifest himself unto them—  Showing his body unto them, and ministering unto them;"

Speaking about the Saviour's appearance to the people, Elder Holland has written: 

“The Son spoke, with a voice that penetrated to the marrow, saying simply, ‘I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.’ [3 Nephi 11:10.] “That appearance and that declaration constituted the focal point, the supreme moment, in the entire history of the Book of Mormon. . . . “Everyone had talked of him, sung of him, dreamed of him, and prayed for his appearance—but here he actually was. The day of days!” (Christ and the New Covenant: The Messianic Message of the Book of Mormon [1997], 250–51).

Take some time to read 3 Nephi 11:1-17 and to listen to a hymn or song such as "This is the Christ", "I Know that my Redeemer Lives" or "I Believe in Christ"  and ponder and reflect on the following questions in your study journal:

•  How did the people react to the Savior’s appearance?
• What were your thoughts and feelings as you read this account?
• How do you think you would have felt if you had been there?

Even though we have not yet had the experience of physically touching the Savior’s hands
and feet, we can feel of His reality and bear personal testimony of Him. Think of an appropriate way to share your testimony of Jesus Christ in the coming weeks.