Alerts Sign-up
Around one million young members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, aged 11 to 18, are gathering globally starting January 5, 2025. They aim to explore the new youth theme for the year: "Look Unto Christ."
Each year, a theme is selected to motivate and unite young people worldwide who strive to follow Jesus Christ. This theme often derives from a scriptural passage and is supported by songs, artwork, and other materials designed to help youth incorporate it into their lives.
The 2025 theme is inspired by the scripture: “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:36).
Youth are meeting locally to watch a video featuring messages from Young Men General President Steven J. Lund, Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman, and Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The video also includes music and discussions about coming unto Christ.
Filmed at the Sacred Grove Historic Site in Palmyra, New York, the leaders drew parallels between Joseph Smith's experience at age 14 in that grove and today’s youth.
President Freeman asked several questions aimed at engaging the youth: “How many of us have questions? How many of us have doubts? How many of us have fears?” She encouraged finding personal places for reflection and seeking divine guidance.
President Lund emphasized daily prayer in sacred places as a means for youth to improve themselves. He said God answers prayers just as He did for Joseph Smith.
Elder Uchtdorf highlighted Joseph Smith's faith despite his doubts and fears. He shared two items he always carries—his temple recommend and the "For the Strength of Youth" guide—to illustrate how youth can look unto Christ.
Elder Uchtdorf noted that like a temple under reconstruction near where he was filmed, individuals are works in progress striving toward spiritual growth through repentance.
At local gatherings, participants were encouraged to pause the video for reflection on personal experiences with doubt or fear while considering how they looked unto Christ during those times.
The full video is available on-demand through various platforms including Media Library, YouTube, and Gospel Stream app.
