In a new video message, President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints urges Church members and friends of the faith to study Christ’s teachings and establish Christ-centered Easter traditions.
“As we enter this new year, let us prepare for an Easter celebration of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, culminating in His Resurrection—the most glorious event in history,” said President Oaks in a new video message shared on February 14, 2025.
The Importance of the Resurrection
One of the most meaningful ways to celebrate Easter, President Oaks said, is to reflect on the doctrine of the Resurrection—the knowledge that, through Jesus Christ, all who have ever lived will rise again. He emphasized that, for Latter-day Saints, the Resurrection is literal and an essential part of God’s plan.
This truth is taught throughout the Book of Mormon, which testifies of Christ’s power over death. One passage teaches:
“Now, there is a death which is called a temporal death. And the death of Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death, that all shall be raised from this temporal death.”
President Oaks also pointed out that the Bible and modern revelation confirm that Christ’s Atonement and Resurrection provide redemption for all.
Christ-Centered Easter Traditions
To keep the focus on Jesus Christ, President Oaks encourages members to incorporate faith-filled traditions into their Easter celebrations. He noted one powerful practice from other parts of the world, where individuals greet each other with:
“Christ is risen!”
“Indeed, He is risen!”
The 2025 Easter Theme: Greater Love
This year, the Church is centering its Easter celebrations around the theme “Greater Love”—a phrase from John 15:13:
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
In connection with this theme, the Church has planned several ways for members to engage in a Christ-centered Easter season:
- Easter Sunday Worship (April 20, 2025): A special Sunday service will focus on celebrating Christ’s Resurrection.
- Holy Week Study Guide: Available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org to help deepen understanding of the Savior’s sacrifice and triumph.
- Easter Music & Videos: Special playlists will be available on the Church’s YouTube, Strive to Be, and Gospel Stream channels.
- Music and the Spoken Word: A special Easter episode will focus on the theme “Greater Love.”
- Interfaith Events & Concerts: Latter-day Saints worldwide will join with friends of other faiths in worship and celebration.
- Social Media Initiative: All are invited to share their testimonies of Jesus Christ using the hashtag #GreaterLove.
President Oaks emphasized that the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is at the heart of Easter and invited everyone to take time this season to draw closer to the Savior.
Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.
