Merry Smithmas!

[Kishkumen]

Smithmas is the holiday every Mormon instinctively celebrates until it's pointed out to them, and then they pretend it's just a coincidence.

In this way, it's one of the greatest holidays, because it's a holiday of the collective unconscious, not a holiday prescribed by a king or higher religious authority.

It's impossible to believe that Smithmas isn't real. Why would God set both events in such close proximity if they weren't meant to go together? And on the small chance it is a coincidence, what is the chance that God wouldn't approve of faithful members being mistaken on that point, thinking they were meant to go together? Wouldn't that be a mistake in the direction of greater faith?

Imagine if Nephi were to leave his tent one morning to discover an open jar of peanut butter and a thick bar of chocolate resting on top. He brings his finding back to the tent to show all. It's remarked by various family members that the findings are a gift from God, and they eat with gratitude. The two gifts are distributed separately, and it occurs to none of them to dip the chocolate into the peanut butter. Unlikely. But this is what the apologists would have you believe.

It would not be the first time and will not be the last that apologetics frustrates the cause of faith.

[Kishkumen]

I’m pleased to see that the Church News is celebrating Smithmas with this tribute to Joseph:

https://www.thechurchnews.com/history/2 ... estoration



President Hinckley’s prophetic words of long ago are truly coming to pass: “His birthday will grow in recognition and in importance as the years pass and the Church continues to grow.”

Here at DM, we do our best to fulfill the words of the Lord’s prophet, yea, even Gordon B. Hinckley.

[Kishkumen]

From Tom's link:

Sarah Jane Weaver: Why it is fitting that Joseph Smith was born during the Christmas season

Elder Cook’s reflection from Carthage is the same reflection we each share this December as we celebrate two births — the Savior of the World and the Prophet who restored the Savior’s Church to the earth and died a martyr to His cause.

Holy crap.

It’s right there. No question. Merry Smithmas to all!

[Kishkumen]

Is there a better way to celebrate the day?

[Tom]

Smithmas is the holiday every Mormon instinctively celebrates until it's pointed out to them, and then they pretend it's just a coincidence.

In this way, it's one of the greatest holidays, because it's a holiday of the collective unconscious, not a holiday prescribed by a king or higher religious authority.

It's impossible to believe that Smithmas isn't real. Why would God set both events in such close proximity if they weren't meant to go together? And on the small chance it is a coincidence, what is the chance that God wouldn't approve of faithful members being mistaken on that point, thinking they were meant to go together? Wouldn't that be a mistake in the direction of greater faith?

Imagine if Nephi were to leave his tent one morning to discover an open jar of peanut butter and a thick bar of chocolate resting on top. He brings his finding back to the tent to show all. It's remarked by various family members that the findings are a gift from God, and they eat with gratitude. The two gifts are distributed separately, and it occurs to none of them to dip the chocolate into the peanut butter. Unlikely. But this is what the apologists would have you believe.

Amen. In gazing at the Church News photograph of a statue of Joseph Smith standing in front of an ordinary tree, I see something more than coincidental proximity. I see a purposeful juxtaposition, yea, I see Joseph and his Asherah.

[Tom]

Our Intellectual Porter Rockwell is, once again, trotting out the dubious claim that “the truth, of course, is that most Latter-day Saints don’t even know that 23 December is the Prophet’s birthday, let alone celebrate it.”

Does Our Intellectual Porter Rockwell even have scientific survey data demonstrating his claim? If not, how would he possibly know what Latter-day Saints know and do? So little faith in President Hinckley’s prophetic words!

[Dr Moore]

Merry Smithmas to all and to all a good sleight!!

[Gadianton]

In gazing at the Church News photograph of a statue of Joseph Smith standing in front of an ordinary tree

Great point, Tom. And a great question for the apologists. On Smithmas, who is in the foreground and who is in the background? This photo seems to provide an answer, but I wouldn't say it's the last words by any means.

[Gadianton]

And what better evidence for this Holiday is there than this:

Back in the days when my wife and I sometimes hosted a little “birthday party” for Joseph Smith on 23 December, we would maybe tell a story or two about the Prophet—or invite somebody else to do so. (One year, for example, the late historian Scott Faulring participated in our small event.) Maybe we would express some appreciation for Joseph. Then we would enjoy potluck refreshments and sing Christmas carols.

[Kishkumen]

We marked Smithmas by seeing Book of Mormon the musical on Broadway. My earlier post was an attempt to broadcast that fact before the show started, but my proficiency with the phone was lacking.