Easter: The Most Important Religious Observance

In his April 2023 general conference talk, President Russell M. Nelson emphasized the importance of Easter, saying, “One week from today is Easter Sunday. It is the most important religious observance for followers of Jesus Christ. The main reason we celebrate Christmas is because of Easter.”¹

He went on to invite us all to study the Savior’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and the events of the last week of His mortal life, including His suffering and Crucifixion, His Resurrection, and His subsequent appearances to His followers.

President Nelson asked us to, “Savor these sacred verses and find every way you can to thank our Heavenly Father for sending us His Only Begotten Son. . . .

“I also invite you to study again the account of the Savior’s appearance to the Nephites in the Americas as recorded in 3 Nephi.”²

Elder Gary E. Stevenson also spoke about how we can give increased emphasis to our observance of Easter in our individual lives and families. He said, “​You likely remember hearing a letter from the First Presidency read in your ward or branch several weeks ago. … [Families are invited to spend] additional time for worship at home as families to commemorate this most important holiday.”³

The letter Elder Stevenson referenced also said, “During the Easter season we can strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ and share His gospel with others as we consider His life and mission. We may appropriately invite friends and family to join us that day to receive messages of hope, peace, the reality of immortality, and the possibility of eternal life through the Savior’s atoning sacrifice.”⁴

As our families prepare to celebrate the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ again, I would like to invite you to consider how you can prepare yourself and your family to celebrate this most important religious observance. What are you doing to prepare? What is the significance and meaning of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice in your own life? What does it allow us to do? More importantly, what does it allow us to become? How will your Easter celebrations help you develop a relationship with Jesus Christ? How will your celebrations help you become more like Jesus Christ and thereby more like our Father in Heaven?

At the time these talks were given in general conference, Easter was already upon us. This year, we have time to truly prepare for a heartfelt celebration of the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan of salvation, and the power of Jesus Christ to bring salvation to a fallen world.

After President Nelson’s invitation, my family was privileged to meet together for a family home evening where we read selected verses from the Bible and the Book of Mormon and shared our thoughts and feelings about the events of Easter. I would like to invite you to think of some ways that you and your loved ones can celebrate Easter together. Some ideas might be:

• Find scriptures to read together each day or week to remind you of this important time of the Savior’s life.

• Look for opportunities each day to serve others in Christlike ways.

• Read Elder Stevenson’s talk from the April 2023 general conference.

• Consider celebrating events leading up to the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, such as Palm Sunday. What creative ways can you find to teach, learn, and celebrate some of these events?

• How can you use the Book of Mormon account in 3 Nephi to bring a new dimension to your celebration of the life and Resurrection of Jesus Christ?

I testify that the tomb is empty, and He is risen. His grace, love, and power to become are available to all if we follow Him and allow Him to change our hearts.