Summary
Highlights
President Henry B. Eyring welcomes attendees to the 196th Annual General Conference on Easter morning, acknowledging General Authorities, officers, and international choir members. The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square performs 'On This Day of Joy and Gladness' and 'Christ the Lord Is Risen Today.'
President Paul V. Johnson offers an invocation, expressing gratitude for Jesus Christ's sacrifice and resurrection, and praying for open hearts and minds to receive messages. The Tabernacle Choir then sings 'Consider the Lilies,' emphasizing God's care for His creations and those who trust Him.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf discusses the significance of the empty tomb on Easter morning, emphasizing that Jesus Christ is not merely a historical figure but lives and actively influences His Church and followers today. He encourages all to encounter the empty tomb's reality and share their witness of Christ's Resurrection.
President Emily Belle Freeman shares a personal story about her husband's cancer recurrence, illustrating how life presents both best and worst days. She uses Peter's experiences with Jesus to highlight that understanding eternal truth and finding strength in Christ is built over time, through His invitations and presence in our difficulties.
Elder Pedro X. Larreal emphasizes the importance of the sacrament as a means to feel the Savior's love and receive the constant influence of the Holy Ghost. He quotes President Nelson, stating that spiritual survival in latter days depends on the Holy Ghost's guidance and reminds that Christ’s love in the sacrament is for 'you and for me.'
Elder Edward B. Rowe shares a personal experience of following a guide through a mine-filled war zone, drawing a parallel to needing Jesus Christ as a guide through life's spiritual challenges. He highlights Christ's infinite Atonement and His power to heal and receive all who return to Him, regardless of their injuries or imperfections.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband affirms the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as the core of the faith, emphasizing its universal impact on all humanity. He shares personal anecdotes, including his grandson Paxton's life, to illustrate the hope and joy of a resurrected, perfect body and eternal family reunions made possible by Christ's Atonement.
The congregation is invited to stand and join The Tabernacle Choir in singing 'Rejoice! The Lord Is King,' celebrating Christ's reign and triumph over death and hell.
Elder Dale G. Renlund uses the analogy of a dog overwhelmed by two balls to describe how people can feel confused and discouraged by life's many concerns. He advises focusing on Jesus Christ and His infinite Atonement as the greatest value, bringing joy and clarity, conquering death, and forgiving sins, ultimately making us whole.
Elder Thierry K. Mutombo shares the Easter greeting 'Christ is risen' and its profound meaning. He recounts facing personal tragedy and family traditions that conflicted with his faith, emphasizing that faithfully keeping covenants and trusting in Jesus Christ brings miracles, strength, and helps overcome darkness, fulfilling Heavenly Father's plan for eternal joy.
Elder Alan R. Walker discusses the concept of being the Lord's 'peculiar treasure' by obeying His voice and keeping covenants, just as ancient Israel was invited. He explains that this covenant faithfulness empowers individuals to rise above the world's limitations, bringing blessings, divine acceptance, and a deeper love for the Savior through humble, sacrificial obedience.
President Dallin H. Oaks emphasizes the literal, universal Resurrection as a foundational doctrine that gives eternal perspective, strength, and courage to face life's challenges and death. He then preaches on Christ's command to love enemies and adversaries, illustrating this principle with a personal experience of a nurse who learned to see a 'repulsive' patient as a child of God, transforming her heart and mind.
The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square performs 'Love One Another.' Sister Amy A. Wright then offers the benediction, expressing gratitude for God and Jesus Christ, and praying for tender hearts to minister to the vulnerable and for all to receive the hope of a glorious resurrection through Christ.