Young Joseph had a deep interest in spiritual things. When he was 14 years old, he wondered which church was true. While reading the Bible one day, he came across James 1:5 where it reads,
If any of ye lack wisdom, let him ask of God...
Joseph knew he lacked wisdom. After pondering this scripture for some time, he gathered his courage, walked to a nearby grove of trees, knelt, and uttered a prayer that would change not only his life, but the lives of millions of other people as well.
He saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. He was told that all churches had some truth in them, but that they did not have the fullness. Several years later, he restored The Church of Jesus Christ here on the earth.
A few years ago, Ron, Emily, and I met my parents in Ohio and we went on a Church History tour. We visited the Sacred Grove. We saw where the Book of Mormon was printed. We saw the small farmhouse where the Church was organized. We walked the streets of Kirtland and Nauvoo. We toured Liberty Jail where Joseph received some of the most touching revelations I have ever read. We also visited Carthage Jail where Joseph and his brother Hyrum sealed their testimonies with their blood.
Our family in the Sacred Grove.Tonight, December 23, our family celebrated Joseph Smith's birthday. We ate a simple supper by candlelight. We sang "Joseph Smith's First Prayer." We read from the scriptures about his life. I had a hard time reading aloud the following verse from Doctrine and Covenants 135:5 as the Spirit bore witness to me once again, that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God.
Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fullness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!
How grateful we are for the life Joseph led. Happy Birthday, Joseph Smith!
