In anticipation of the new effort to bless children and youth, the Church has announced the youth theme for 2020:

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them (1 Nephi 3:7; emphasis added).

Parents and leaders are encouraged to teach principles from the theme scripture at home and at church throughout the year. This scripture emphasizes acting on revelation, which is an important aspect of the upcoming Children and Youth effort and other home-centered, Church-supported efforts. In addition, the theme can be used as a topic for sacrament meeting talks given by youth and can provide focus for youth activities, camps, youth conferences, and devotionals. The theme is also emphasized during For the Strength of Youth (FSY) conferences.

Music, videos, and art to support this scriptural theme will be available later this year at ChildrenandYouth.ChurchofJesusChrist.org, on social media channels, and in Church magazines.

Learn more about the 2020 youth theme in the article “Church Announces 2020 Mutual Theme for Youth.”

Here is a list of the scriptures that have been used as themes over the years:

2020

“And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them” (1 Nephi 3:7; emphasis added).

2019

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

2018

“Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.” (Doctrine and Covenants 19:23)

2017

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed” (James 1:5–6, emphasis added)

2016

“Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.” (2 Nephi 31:20, emphasis added)

2015

“O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day” (D&C 4:2).

2014

“Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God” (Moroni 10:32).

2013

“Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord” (D&C 87:8).

2012

“Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations” (D&C 115:5).

2011

“We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things” (Articles of Faith 1:13).

2010

“Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9).

2009

“Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).

2008

“Be Steadfast and Immovable” (Mosiah 5:15)

2007

“Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts” (D&C 121:45)

2006

“Arise and Shine Forth” (D&C 115:5) Repeated in 2012

2005

“A Great and a Marvelous Work” (1 Nephi 14:7)

2004

“Search, Pray, Believe” (D&C 90:24)

2003

“Be Steadfast in Christ” (2 Nephi 31:20) Repeated in 2016

2002 (first year for a global theme)

“Stand Ye in Holy Places” (D&C 87:8) Repeated in 2013

What impresses you as common threads through these scriptures?