It’s Joseph Smith’s birthday today

I want to take this opportunity to extend sincere best wishes to the small group of dedicated critics who annually spread the lie that Mormons virtually ignore Christmas and the birth of Christ but celebrate “Smithmas” on 23 December.  Notwithstanding their cynicism, mendacity, and (in many cases) bitter hatred, I hope that they fare well.  I also hope that they’ll repent.

I likewise want to remind believing Latter-day Saints — the vast majority of whom are busy with shopping and cooking and preparations for family Christmas gatherings and listening to beloved Christmas music and participating in the Light the World campaign and don’t even realize that today marks the anniversary of the Prophet’s birth — that Joseph Smith was, in fact, born 211 years ago today.

It wouldn’t hurt to spare a moment’s thought for his contributions as a prophet and as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ.  I’m profoundly grateful for his life and work.