Detail from "Adoration of the Shepherds" by Gerard van Honthorst As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ this week, let's remember what He accomplished before, during, and after His mortal ministry. On January 1, 2000, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints published a brief document entitled "The Living Christ," which... Continue Reading →

In the October 1995 general conference, President Gordon B. Hinckley introduced "The Family: a Proclamation to the World," which he described as "a declaration and reaffirmation of standards, doctrines, and practices relative to the family which the prophets, seers, and revelators of this church have repeatedly stated throughout its history." After reading the proclamation, President... Continue Reading →

An article of faith is a foundational belief, a core assumption which forms the basis for other beliefs and practices. In 1842, Joseph Smith wrote a letter to John Wentworth, editor of the Chicago Democrat, summarizing the events associated with the establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (See Times and Seasons (Nauvoo,... Continue Reading →

"Joseph F. Smith," by Albert Salzbrenner 138 - "I saw the hosts of the dead." Alma taught his son Corianton that there is a period of time between death and the resurrection, in which we will dwell as spirits. He further explained that we will be in one of two states: paradise, which is a... Continue Reading →

"Winter Quarters," by Jonathan Leo Fairbanks 135 - The Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum What would you be willing to give your life for? The prophet Abinadi was offered the chance to avoid execution by recanting the message God had sent him to deliver. In response, he declared, "I will not recall the words which I... Continue Reading →

"Christ in a Red Robe," by Minerva Teichert 133 - "Prepare Ye" Originally intended as an appendix (or epilogue) to the Book of Commandments, Doctrine and Covenants 133 is a patchwork of biblical quotations and paraphrases. This remarkable revelation blends Old and New Testament passages seamlessly as it declares the following messages: The Savior (the... Continue Reading →

Sealing Room in the Rome, Italy Temple In 1843, William Clayton, who served as secretary to Joseph Smith, recorded a number of truths taught by Joseph in a variety of settings. Some of his notes are now part of the Doctrine and Covenants: Instructions Joseph gave to Parley P. Pratt about how to distinguish heavenly... Continue Reading →

Baptistry in the Ogden Utah Temple 125 - "Let them gather themselves together." As church members began to establish the city of Nauvoo, Illinois, Joseph Smith contemplated the future for church members who had settled on the west side of the Mississippi River, in Iowa. In answer to his prayer, the Lord revealed that those... Continue Reading →

Nauvoo Illinois Temple at Sunset After fleeing persecution in Missouri, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints rallied in Illinois. By January 1841, they had purchased a small town, renamed it Nauvoo, and begun turning it into a city. The state legislature had authorized them to pass their own laws, establish a... Continue Reading →

Sometimes the darkest circumstances can lead to the brightest inspiration. On March 20, 1839, after enduring 109 days in the inhumane environment of Liberty Jail, Joseph Smith wrote an epistle to the Church containing extraordinary gems of wisdom. Excerpts from that letter now appear as three sections in the Doctrine and Covenants. Here are some... Continue Reading →