About the Hymns

When the Savior Comes Again

Years before Lane Johnson wrote the words and music for “When the Savior Comes Again,” he had a vivid dream that he would one day write music about the Lord’s Second Coming. As years passed, he thought about this dream periodically. Then, when plans for the new Church hymnbook were announced in 2018, Brother Johnson felt that this was the time to write the music he had dreamed of writing. He began studying the scriptures, noting phrases that might fit into a hymn. But as the deadline approached, he found himself unable to make progress on the composition.

One Sunday during the sacrament, Brother Johnson was pondering about the Savior’s Atonement and the hymn he had been trying to write. He suddenly felt an impression that he should write a children’s song instead of a hymn, and peace settled over him. He felt that the song should emphasize the importance of preparing for the Second Coming and looking forward with happy anticipation to that day. After Brother Johnson arrived home from church, he reviewed the thoughts he had collected and quickly began writing and composing with a fresh perspective. The result was this joyful song that looks forward to the time when Jesus Christ will live with us for a thousand years and there will be no sin, death, war, or conflict.

Find lyrics, sheet music, and recordings for When the Savior Comes Again

Scriptures

• Doctrine and Covenants 45:56–59

• 1 Nephi 22:24–28

• Doctrine and Covenants 101:23–24

• Articles of Faith 1:10

• Romans 14:11

• Isaiah 11:5–6

Principles

• Jesus Christ will come to the earth again.

• When Jesus Christ comes again to the earth, there will be no more death or pain.

• At the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, everyone will know He is the Lord.

• Only Heavenly Father knows when the Savior’s Second Coming will occur.

Questions to Ponder

• How will the earth be different when Jesus Christ comes again?

• Why will God’s children feel joy when Jesus Christ returns to the earth?

• What can you do to prepare yourself for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?

• Why is it important to help others learn about the Savior’s Second Coming?

Related Gospel Study Guides

From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:

• Jesus Christ

• Second Coming of Jesus Christ

Activities for Families

• Look forward to the Second Coming. Sing this song to help your children learn what to look forward to when Jesus Christ returns. Invite them to listen carefully to the lyrics, write down the events or blessings mentioned in the song, and then listen to the song again to check their answers. While playing the song quietly in the background, ask your children to draw a picture of one of these events they are excited about. Listen to the song one more time, and place the drawings in the order in which the events are mentioned. Hang the drawings in your home as a reminder to look forward to the Second Coming with hope and joy.

• Learn the chorus with actions. Teach your family the chorus by adding simple actions to each phrase as you sing together.

  • “Lift up your voice”: Move your hands from your lips up toward the ceiling.

  • “Rejoice”: Raise your hands in the air.

  • “And prepare for that day”: Do a strong biceps curl with one arm.

  • “Learn of the Lord”: Open your hands as if holding scriptures.

  • “Keep following His way”: Walk in place or around the room.

  • “No one knows the day and hour when He will come again”: Shake your head and shrug your shoulders.

  • “But He’ll return”: Nod as if to say yes.

  • “As scriptures say”: Open your hands as if holding scriptures.

  • “It will be a joyful day”: Smile broadly and point to your mouth.

  • “When our beloved Savior comes again”: Put both hands over your heart.