Musical Tribute to Joseph Smith

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Musical Tribute to Joseph Smith At this time of year, we celebrate not only the birth of Jesus Christ, but the birth of a man who helped us know more about Jesus Christ and who restored his true church. Joseph Smith was born Dec. 23, 1805 in Sharon, Vermont. His life has made a significant difference in our lives. Use the information on the back of the pictures from the Gospel Art Kit to teach the children about Joseph Smith and the restoration of the gospel. You may want to have the children help by telling what they know is going on in the picture. (All pictures & information available at lds.org.) Also, depending on time, you may want to skip some songs. I skipped #2, & #6. 1. Joseph Smith Seeks Wisdom in the Bible • GAK 402 Point out that reading and pondering James 1:5 led Joseph to ask Heavenly Father which church was true. Sing: Search, Ponder and Pray, CS 109

2. The First Vision • GAK 403 Sing: This is My Beloved Son, CS 76 (May want to sing just verse #3)

3. Joseph Receives the Gold Plates • GAK 406 Sing: An Angel Came to Joseph Smith, CS 86

4. Restoration of the Priesthood • GAK 407 & 408 (Restoration of Aaronic Priesthood, Restoration of Melchizedek Priesthood.) May 15, 1829 & June 1829 Sing: The Priesthood is Restored, CS 89

5. Organizing the Church • Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, (Relief Society & Priesthood Manual) pg. 140 April 6, 1830 Sing: I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ, CS 77

6. Elijah Restores the Power to Seal Families • GAK 417 April 3, 1836 Sing: Families Can Be Together Forever, CS 188

7. Joseph Smith’s Testimony • GAK 401 The Prophet Joseph Smith Point out specific persecution Joseph suffered, but that he stayed true to his testimony and that he loved Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Sing: I Know That My Redeemer Lives, Hymns 136

8. Joseph Smith’s character and example • GAK The Prophet Joseph Loved Children Tell the story of Brother Joseph comforting the children stuck in the mud and point out Joseph emulated the love and kindness of the Savior. Bear your testimony of Joseph Smith and the gratitude you feel for what he did to restore Christ’s Church and the blessings that we have today. As you sing this song, you may want to think about the words and how they apply to Joseph Smith. Sing: We Thank Thee Oh God For a Prophet, Hymns 19

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was formally organized by the Prophet Joseph Smith on April 6, 1830, at the home of Peter Whitmer Sr. in Fayette, New York. The latter-day Church is organized in the same way as the Church in the Savior’s time, with “apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.”

From Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, (Relief Society & Priesthood Manual) pg. 140 Available in PDF form at lds.org. It’s in Chapter 11: The Organization and Destiny of the True and Living Church.