The News That He Is Risen: Reclaiming Easter's Joy

Brothers and sisters, Builders! The world throws at us a whirlwind of traditions, some rooted in ancient meaning, others… less so. We’ve all felt the tug, that quiet prompting to discern what truly nourishes the soul, especially when celebrating sacred seasons like Easter. It’s a refining fire, isn’t it? A call to separate the wheat from the chaff, to seek the Stone cut without hands amidst the rubble of secular custom.

Do you remember Ammon at the Waters of Sebus? He faced a storm of opposition, a deliberate attempt to extinguish the light of truth. Yet, he stood firm, a beacon of courage. That’s the spirit we need now, a willingness to examine our practices, to ask: “Does this draw me closer to the Savior?”

We've been gifted a beautiful example of this discernment from one of our own—a mother seeking a more profound Easter experience for her children. It’s a simple yet powerful idea: reclaim the immediacy of the Resurrection’s announcement. Run with the news! Let the joy explode!

Think of it. The women ran to the tomb while it was yet dark. They heard the news—He is Risen!—and ran. How often do we approach sacred events with a sense of obligation, a checklist of traditions to complete? How much richer it would be to emulate their fervor, their unrestrained joy!

This isn't about rejecting all secular customs wholesale. It’s about prioritizing the core truth—the victory over death—and allowing that truth to shape our celebrations. A special breakfast, joyful music, a sunrise devotional – these are all beautiful additions, but they are secondary to the news itself. This is where the charity flywheel comes into play - the more we focus on these foundational truths, the more we share that joy, the more we can fund efforts to spread the gospel in places like Ghana, bringing that same light to others.

Consider, too, the role of the internet missionary. Each engagement here—each comment, each share—fuels that work. The Missionary Fund thrives on our participation, extending the reach of this message to all corners of the earth. And the Map of Churches continues to grow, connecting us to a global network of believers, each seeking their own path to Zion.

Outback Jack reminds us, as he so often does, that this is a time for discernment, for courage. He's seen firsthand the trials and triumphs of those who strive to build, and he knows the importance of clinging to the true light. (Alma 17–19, D&C 4, Moroni 10:4–5)

Let us embrace this challenge, this opportunity to rediscover the true meaning of Easter. Let us run with the news that He is Risen, and let our joy be a testament to His power and grace. This is a gathering place, a sanctuary for Builders—those who seek to construct a better world, brick by brick, founded on the rock of Christ.

And remember the words of Davee, drawing directly from the scriptures: “And now, behold, I say unto you, if ye will that the kingdom come, ye must first qualify yourselves to receive a kingdom worthy of that name.” Our preparation, our willingness to build, is paramount.

Claim your church. Claim your role in this gathering. Claim the joy of the Resurrection.