Looking to the Future, Lifted by the Past

For most of the world, the new year is a time to consider the future. But it’s also a time to learn from the past. At this intersection of where we’ve been and where we’re going, we find opportunities to grow.

In that spirit, not only does this issue feature some exciting new changes for the future, but it also explores our past in order to understand our part in what is to come.

This year we commemorate the 200th anniversary of the First Vision. The First Presidency and others have prepared a series of articles that examine the past and help us to shape our future. This month President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, helps us understand our place in the ongoing Restoration of God’s kingdom and His efforts to prepare us for the Second Coming (see page 14). The time line on page 22 offers additional historical and spiritual perspective.

Looking to the future, this issue also provides resources for the Church’s new effort to support children and youth (see pages 52 and 58) and launches the Book of Mormon course of study for individuals and families (see the contents page for articles with a “Come, Follow Me: Book of Mormon” series title).

We hope the Ensign continues to be a valuable resource in supporting your home-centered gospel study as we move forward together, propelled by the progress of the past.

Adam C. Olson

Managing Editor