Happy Dec. 23rd!

Hope your celebrations were all a lot of fun. We invited the elders over to spend the evening with us and we heard two brand new stories that we've never heard before. One about when Joseph was wrestling with someone and accidentally broke a man's arm; then feeling badly, healed it. And another of a man who wanted to kill the prophet, but was thwarted. The man sent his young servant to fetch the prophet. The boy begged the prophet not to go, because he didn't want him to get killed. Joseph assured the boy that he would not be killed that day. When he met the man, he bared his chest to him and told him to take his best shot. The gun misfired. The man thought he had been sabotaged by the boy, but shooting at a tin can, proved their was nothing wrong with the gun. With that, the prophet excused himself. (Still want to check on the truth of those stories-Clayton, are you out there?.)

Of course, we also had songs, including a birthday song and dessert, but the best part of the night was Jeffrey's story. He wanted to share his favorite story...and then did a beautiful job retailing the first vision. It was interesting to hear it from his perspective. He was very detailed up until this concluding statement: 'After Joseph came to the forest, Satan tried to hurt him, but Joseph just wouldn't give up.' When we sang Joseph's First Prayer a little later, Jeff whistled the last verse. He was feeling it! Wish you could have been here.

It was great. I love this tradition. What a perfect thing to celebrate at Christmas time recognizing that the events & accomplishments of Joseph Smith's life did more to restore our understanding of the precious gift of the Savior than anything else. The Book of Mormon so clearly explains the doctrine of the Fall, the Atonement and the Resurrection. In the Doctrine and Covenants, we read Christ's words given directly to the prophet in a first person telling. The first Vision and restoration of Christ's church with a living prophet help us understand our relationship with God and His Son Jesus Christ and provide the vehicle that best help us apply the blessings of the atonement. Joseph, more than any other person, aids us in coming to know Jesus Christ. What a wonderful time of year! Hope all of you had a great evening.