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On Dec. 23, 1805, as much of the world was preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, another baby boy was born. Like Jesus, this 19th century baby came forth in humble circumstances and in an obscure village. Though the world didn't know it at the time, the birth of Joseph Smith Jr. would initiate what is arguably the greatest and most far-reaching chain of events in the history of Christianity since the Savior's mortal ministry itself. That infant would grow up to hold the apostolic office and thus be a special witness of Jesus Christ, the first mortal...

Kenneth L. DuVall, “The Significance of Tithing Settlement,” Liahona, Dec. 2000, 40 Tithing is an important test of our personal righteousness. President Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918) said: “By this principle it shall be known who is for the kingdom of God and who is against it. … By it it shall be known whether we are faithful or unfaithful” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 276). The question is, to whom is our faithfulness to be known? First, we must be satisfied in our own hearts that we have paid an honest tithe. It is important...