Thank you for this beautiful, historical tribute to a great prophet - Joseph Smith.
Bob SpielDecember 24, 2019
While studying the Gospel before joining the church at 18, I recall a comment made by my late mother once about the prophet of the restoration. With some derision in her voice, she said, "Joseph Smith. Why in the world would God call a prophet with two of the most common names?" Years later I found out searching the dictionary and the footnotes in Genesis. The name Joseph literally means in Hebrew: "to add, to take away and to gather" while Smith is related to the word "blacksmith" -- one who shapes and fires metal while it's red hot. Even in his simple name, the Lord foreshadowed his work of adding, taking away, gathering, and forging this work and kingdom.
Gary AndersonDecember 23, 2019
Thanks for your wpnderful articles Maurine! I really enjoy them!
J JamisonDecember 23, 2019
My top 2 sayings: 1. Its a small world and 2. There is no such thing as coincidence! I went through what Joseph Smith did, searching to find the Bible "Church of Jesus Christ" How wonderful and marvelous is Heavenly Father and the Saviors work - Merry Christmas to all at Meridian!
Sharon ProctorDecember 23, 2019
I think I see a something quite parallel in the birth of Joseph Smith and the birth of the Christ child. Both were born to obscure parents in extreme poverty. Nothing in their births would indicate how each would change the world. Christ would save the world, and Joseph Smith would make it possible through the restoration of the gospel and its ordinances for Christ's work to be effective for all.
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KathleenDecember 26, 2019
Thank you for this beautiful, historical tribute to a great prophet - Joseph Smith.
Bob SpielDecember 24, 2019
While studying the Gospel before joining the church at 18, I recall a comment made by my late mother once about the prophet of the restoration. With some derision in her voice, she said, "Joseph Smith. Why in the world would God call a prophet with two of the most common names?" Years later I found out searching the dictionary and the footnotes in Genesis. The name Joseph literally means in Hebrew: "to add, to take away and to gather" while Smith is related to the word "blacksmith" -- one who shapes and fires metal while it's red hot. Even in his simple name, the Lord foreshadowed his work of adding, taking away, gathering, and forging this work and kingdom.
Gary AndersonDecember 23, 2019
Thanks for your wpnderful articles Maurine! I really enjoy them!
J JamisonDecember 23, 2019
My top 2 sayings: 1. Its a small world and 2. There is no such thing as coincidence! I went through what Joseph Smith did, searching to find the Bible "Church of Jesus Christ" How wonderful and marvelous is Heavenly Father and the Saviors work - Merry Christmas to all at Meridian!
Sharon ProctorDecember 23, 2019
I think I see a something quite parallel in the birth of Joseph Smith and the birth of the Christ child. Both were born to obscure parents in extreme poverty. Nothing in their births would indicate how each would change the world. Christ would save the world, and Joseph Smith would make it possible through the restoration of the gospel and its ordinances for Christ's work to be effective for all.
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