By Richard James, President of Council of Twelve Apostles

But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

I remember how special it was when my young daughters had new dresses for Easter. They were excited to be a part of the Easter celebration—Easter eggs, going to church dressed in new clothes, and being together with family and friends. This was part of the tradition in our home.

In the northern hemisphere spring had arrived, and that meant putting away the old winter clothes and receiving new fresh clothes. The days were starting to lengthen, and the sun was warming up the land. It wasn’t just about the clothes and hours of sunshine though; it was about the joy of something fresh, the excitement of the day, and a reminder that Easter is a time of hope.

Have we lost some of the excitement of the Easter message? Put simply, Easter is about new beginnings! It’s the day we celebrate Jesus coming back to life. His resurrection means we can always have hope and a fresh start, no matter what. New life and its opportunity await our response.

Just as spring brings new life, Easter encourages us to grow, forgive, and embrace second chances. It’s a time to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re going, knowing that transformation is always possible.

What old clothes are we going to leave behind at the empty tomb? Are there things we will no longer need and can cast aside? How will our lives show the excitement that new life is now here? Christ’s resurrection gives life.

Happy Easter!

Easter Greeting from the First Presidency

Watch an Easter greeting from the First Presidency. 

Prayer Phrase

“See, I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:5).

Weaving a Life

Hold, or imagine yourself holding, a piece of patterned cloth. Examine it carefully. Notice overlapping threads, mingling colors that form the design. Write a journal entry or meditate about the threads and patterns of your life. What design do you see? How does the life pattern you are weaving create justice and wholeness in God’s world? What new pattern is God calling you to weave?

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.