[Colofornian]

This excerpt was from pages 14-16 of the article still published worldwide by the Mormon Church through its Web site.

From the article:

"December 23 SHOULD be a day of great importance in every Latter-day Saint home, a day of remembering and honoring one of the great prophets of God, a day to pay tribute to a man whose life and mission has had a tremendous influence on the lives of every one of us."

There ya go, Mormons. The official Mormon Church....In an official Mormon Church publication...telling you yet another "Should": How "December 23 SHOULD be a day of great importance in every Latter-day Saint home..."

No exceptions now! EVERY Latter-day Saint home!

Merry Smithmas! to you!

[Colofornian]

In case you've missed the FR "Smithmas" series this past week:
* D&c 325 Test #2 [Merry 'SMITHMAS!' BYU class says Joseph Smith is both 'Rod' and 'Root' of Jesse]
* 'First vision visitation' of LdsIsm trumps Jesus' incarnational visitation via Bethlehem [Vanity]
* Joseph Smith Nativity [A Virtual 'Merry Smithmas' 'Greeting Card' circa 2005]
* Mormon Tabernacle Choir conductor: 'Praise to the Man'...hymn praises Joseph Smith [Smithmas vanity]
* How would YOU score on this 26-question quiz about 'Smithmas?' [Vanity, Part A]
* What a Liturgical Order of Smithmas Sacrament Meeting Might look like! [Vanity, Part B]
* 'Twas the Night Before Smithmas! [WalterMartin.com]
* Joseph Smith 'gave us everything' & XMAS vs. LMOS (Local Manifestations of 'Smithmas') [Vanity]
* 'SmithEmphasisMas': Over-the-top renditions of Christmas themes applied to Joseph Smith [Vanity]
* MormonTimes - Remember the Prophet Joseph Smith's birthday [Merry 'Smithmas' Morning!]
* ANSWER to FIRST DAY of Christmas Past [Origins of Mormonism's 'Smithmas': Dec. 23, 1894]

[Colofornian]

From the article: "December 23 SHOULD be a day of great importance in every Latter-day Saint home..."

Hey, after all, it's been Smithmas party time for the past 12-17 years or so at Lds apologist Daniel C. Peterson's home.

He said so himself!
See Joseph Smith 'gave us everything' & XMAS vs. LMOS (Local Manifestations of 'Smithmas') [Vanity]

[trebb]

Interesting - Christians think atheists should just mind their own business instead of getting their panties in a bunch over something they don't agree with/believe in.

Then a number of Christians obsess over something they don't believe in.

Ironic - no?

[Gamecock]

December 23rd?!?

I find your belief system fascinating.

[MuttTheHoople]

Will Santa Claus come to our home planet?

[laotzu]

Divide and Conquer....divide et impera.

Have no doubt. Christianity is under attack on all fronts, all over the world.
From simple ridicule, to boycotts, to....ultimately, jail & execution.

We should stand guard against those who seek to divide Christian against Christian.

Do not be deceived. All those who believe that Jesus was Christ, and
that he died for our sins, are Christians. They are our brothers in Christ.

Do not be divided against them.

Merry Christmas.

[StormPrepper]

"There ya go, Mormons. The official Mormon Church....In an official Mormon Church publication...telling you yet another "Should""

I've found that you like to "Snip" articles when it's convenient. So I always go check the real article in question.

Case in point. The article you posted starts off with this.

"Answers are for help and perspective, not as pronouncements of Church doctrine"

Had you not snipped it, you wouldn't have been able to post what you did above.

Be that as it may. It's a good article. Thank you for posting a cherry pick of it.

Since today is Joseph Smith's birthday (I honestly hadn't thought of it before)..you're right. I think my family will read the account of the first vision tonight where Joseph was visited by God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. Good idea Colofornian.

Then on Christmas eve we'll read about the birth of Jesus from Luke as we always do every year.

I always try to look for the good in things. As that's what Jesus wants us to do. So, you have helped my family and I start a new family tradition. Thank you.

[Colofornian]

New thread up:
What makes 'Smithmas' 'Smithmas'? [Vanity]

[Colofornian]

Chronological Historical Recap: What makes 'Smithmas' 'Smithmas'?

Every river has its banks. What is the channel forged -- the definition of the river -- that we've come to know as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' "Smithmas"?

Every river has its tributaries; and when it comes to "Smithmas" it's the same.

As the Mormons annually celebrate Joseph Smith, his birthday, his advent, the Mormon Church adoration and over-attentiveness to Joseph Smith has openly competed with the focus Jesus Christ receives. The result? This continual cresting onto the banks of "Smithmas" has flooded our nation.

Its headwaters are multi-faceted:

19th century

• The 'Oh come, oh come EmmanSMITHuel' long-time saga: Joseph Smith inserted himself into the Isaiah 11 Messianic prophecy in March 1838. For more on this, see recent thread: D&c 325 Test #2 [Merry 'SMITHMAS!' BYU class says Joseph Smith is both 'Rod' and 'Root' of Jesse]
• Glory thievery via 'Praise to the Man' lyrics, 1844 onward: W.W. Phelps penned the lyrics to "Praise the Man" in August 1844. For more on this, see recent thread: Mormon Tabernacle Choir conductor: 'Praise to the Man'...hymn praises Joseph Smith [Smithmas vanity]
• The 'let's substitute Joseph Smith for Jesus Christ as the way' era: 1854-1867: Brigham Young and his two First President Counselors (Heber C. Kimball and George Q. Cannon) made statements about Smith between Oct. 8, 1854 and and Nov. 17, 1867 that rightly apply only to Jesus Christ! For more on this, see last chart of Smith as a "substitute" 'way' in Mormon Tabernacle Choir conductor: 'Praise to the Man'...hymn praises Joseph Smith [Smithmas vanity] And: How would YOU score on this 26-question quiz about 'Smithmas?' [Vanity, Part A] And: What a Liturgical Order of Smithmas Sacrament Meeting Might look like! [Vanity, Part B] Please note that these kinds of quotes weren't discontinued in being published by the Mormon church, as evidenced by quotes that have surfaced from 1925, 1944, 1954, 1966-67, and 1982
• The age of 'let's celebrate Joseph Smith's birthday' arrives: 1894: During the 50th anniversary year of Joseph Smith's death – on Smith's Dec. 23 birthday, a Sabbath day two days before Christmas which is the closest service for Mormons to adore the Christ child – Smith's nephew, Joseph F. Smith advocated that Mormons take up the annual celebration of Smith's birthday. For more on this, see ANSWER to FIRST DAY of Christmas Past [Origins of Mormonism's 'Smithmas': Dec. 23, 1894]

20th and 21st centuries

• The Compete-with-Christ-during-December Joseph Smith Memorial start-up years: 1944-1973: During the centennial recognition of Smith's death, the Lds Religion Institute in Logan, Utah begins what is to be its annual "Joseph Smith Memorial Fireside." In fact, in that year – 1944 – it holds such a "fireside" twice – Feb. 6 and Dec. 10, with eventual Lds "Prophet" David O. McKay citing "Praise to the Man" at the Dec. 10 event. The firesides wind up competing with a Christmas focus on Christmas for the next 30 Decembers – all the way through 1973...before the annual event is shifted to January and February. See “Praise To The Man”: A Review Of The Annual Joseph Smith Memorial Sermons [Mormon Merry Smithmas]
• The 'Praise to the Man' stressed years: 1975-2005: During the mid-to-late 1970s, the next two "Smithmas" movements afoot emerge: (a) After former Mormon Tabernacle Choir director/conductor J. Spencer Cornwall concedes that the hymn "Praise to the Man" is sung directly in worship of Joseph Smith (1975) [see Mormon Tabernacle Choir conductor: 'Praise to the Man'...hymn praises Joseph Smith [Smithmas vanity], eventual Lds "prophet" Gordon B. Hinckley began a periodical kick to stress the hymn in BYU Devotionals, other messages, and the Ensign Magazine (1979, August 1983, December 1997, December 2005); and (b) Mormon publications begin over-the-top SmithEmphasisMas themes beginning with the 1976 December issue of New Era, giving yet another "should" to Mormons: December 23 SHOULD be a day of great importance in every Latter-day Saint home...". Two years later, in the December 1978 Ensign, after mentioning Jesus Christ, the author says: "Within the Church there is also a second story associated with Christmas—from Sharon, Vermont, to Carthage, Illinois—which draws our attention during this season. ...As we commemorate the birth of the babe in Bethlehem, the Savior of the world, may we also remember his emissary, Joseph Smith, and consciously rejoice in his life and sacrifice, as well." Hence, a dual theme emerges of "Joy to the World" for both Jesus and Joseph.
• The SmithEmphasisMas years: 1990-2011: In addition to a long-time continuation for the Mormon Church through its publications to emphasize Joseph Smith's praise in December, the articles began a certain "SmithEmphasisMas" flare (over-the-top renditions of Christmas themes applied to Smith). For example, the December 1990 Liahona Magazine noted, with great SmithEmphasisMas, that: "The early members of the Church remembered his birthday with festive celebrations." Joseph Smith cradle themes emerged with the published articles in Ensign (December 2005) and church-owned Deseret News (Dec. 18, 2011) – along with a BYU Joseph Smith Nativity Scene in December 2005. Smith dawned the cover of Ensign Magazine three times in 2005 and four times within 12 months. And the Lds Church News on the last day of 2005 capped it all with a report of the Joseph Smith praise-athon over his 200th birthday: ”Thousands across world offer 'praise to the man'. While the Conference Center stage was still dominated by the Christmas setting of The First Presidency Christmas Devotional and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert, the village church, cottage and flocked evergreens hinted of Joseph Smith's Vermont. A prominent statue of the Prophet on the stage was a constant reminder of the purpose of the evening.” For more on this see: 'SmithEmphasisMas': Over-the-top renditions of Christmas themes applied to Joseph Smith [Vanity] and Joseph Smith Nativity [A Virtual 'Merry Smithmas' 'Greeting Card' circa 2005]
• The Mormon digital forum years: 2001-2013: And, with the advent of Mormon Forums, tales emerged 2001-2013 indicating that LMOS had eclipsed XMAS in some local Mormon wards. (LMOS = Local Manifestations of Smithmas). For more on this see Joseph Smith 'gave us everything' & XMAS vs. LMOS (Local Manifestations of 'Smithmas') [Vanity]

And then, finally a KEY primary theological theme running rampant throughout the Mormon Church no matter what decade is discussed is this one discussed here: 'First vision visitation' of LdsIsm trumps Jesus' incarnational visitation via Bethlehem [Vanity]

Defining Smithmas'

1. The worship or adoration or over-the-top reverence accorded Joseph Smith by both Mormon leaders and many (but not all) grassroots Mormons, leading to the more-than-occasional infringement, usurpation and eclipse of Christmas. This is, in part, due to Joseph Smith's birthday coming on Dec. 23 of each year.
2. An extended manifestation of claiming for Joseph Smith or his "priesthood" roles, titles, or rights reserved for the Godhead alone.

In other words, 'Smithmas' is but a seasonal outcropping – a mere symptom of a broader Mormon spiritual ailment whereby Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit have been usurped – substituted with Joseph Smith. And this isn't always "worship" and adoration; for example, many Lds leaders talk about...

• ...witnessing to Joseph Smith vs. witnessing to Jesus Christ; {see chart at Mormon Tabernacle Choir conductor: 'Praise to the Man'...hymn praises Joseph Smith [Smithmas vanity]}
• ...about Joseph Smith being the way or final judge – the consenter (or passport) back to Heavenly Father [see link in above bullet point]
• ...about Joseph Smith being THE "ruler" in the "Spirit World" – after some references in both the 19th and 20th centuries to his divine status [see link above]
• ...about "confessing" Joseph Smith or "believing in" Joseph Smith. [See link above]

Other times, Lds leaders frame Smith's "restored priesthood" carries these same qualities. The third Lds "prophet," John Taylor was even quoted by the Mormon Church in 2001 book Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor (p. 119) -- republished from 1943: "What is priesthood?...I shall briefly answer that it is the government of God...It governs all things –it directs all things—it sustains all things..." This type of quote isn't a one-time Mormon Church emphasis: Its publications of impersonalizing God's sustaining/directing power as an "it" has come out in...
...2004, 2001, and 1957 (citing Lds "prophet" Harold B. Lee);
...2002 (citing Lds "apostle" L. Tom Perry)
...2000 (its basic manual for priesthood holders)
...1946 (citing Lds "prophet" Joseph Fielding Smith)
...1941 (citing Lds "prophet' Brigham Young) It's precisely because of these manifestations that Mormons are more accurately described as disciples of Joseph Smith vs. disciples of the Biblical Jesus Christ. Per Lds "apostle" Bruce R. McConkie: "Anyone who believes the doctrine, teachings, or philosophy of another and who follows that teacher is his disciple. He stands as a learner, a devotee of the one whose concept he accepts." (McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 198, also cited by the Mormon Church in its curriculum study guide – "When Thou Art Converted, Strengthren Thy Brethren: 1974-75" published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church in 1974, p. 134) Hence, Mormons believe Smith's doctrine, teachings, concepts and philosophy; they are learners – devotees of Smith more properly than Jesus Christ.

[Tennessee Nana]

Merry Smithmas to all the Mormons in the threads !!!

Merry Christmas to all the Christians in the threads !!!

[jimt]

I see you're back with another THREE MINUTES' HATE.

. It's unfortunate that pathetic losers such as yourself are so consumed with bigotry and hatred that you post such crap near Christmas.

Und you vill vorship ze vay Colofornian says !!

[Elsie]

“What should be different about a Mormon Christmas?”

I think a pronouncement from the current Living Prophet®, Thomas Monson, revealing that the main GOD of Mormonism has finally relented (like the black thing & polygamy) and decided to inform the world of the REAL birthday of Christ!!!

[Hoodat]

Good grief, can you people set aside your hatred for the Samaritans for just one week out of respect for the fulfillment of God's promise to us through the birth of His Son? It's Christmas, people!

Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”

When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Matthew 2:7-11

See that? Just seeing the star filled these men with joy. I pray that God remove judgment from your hearts and replace it with utmost joy, in the precious name of Christ, Lord Jesus.

[tomkat]

You are truly obsessed.

(and that's rarely a good thing)

[fishtank]

True Christianity preaches the cross of Christ.

[truth_seeker]

There is a highly successful organization, which holds this among their traditions:

“...attraction rather than promotion...”

I think I speak for others, in saying that these Daily Obsessionals are far, far from being any sort of an attraction.

Fortunately most Christians exhibit better judgment, and actually try to be an attraction. Your little crew here, not at all.

Merry Christmas.

[dragnet2]

Another religion war thread...

My God is better than your God...

[Normandy]

I wish everyone here a peaceful and blessed Christmas.

It is a wonderful time to think about the miracle of the coming of God’s Holy Son into the world to carry out his great mission of mercy for all of us.

Best wishes,

Normandy