LDS Church marks bicentennial of Joseph Smith’s First Vision: ‘God speaks to his children’

In the spring of 1820, when the Joseph Smith Sr. family was living near Palmyra, New York, a religious fervor swept the area. Preachers of various religions were holding revivals and seeking converts. Desiring to be saved, the Smith family listened to many preachers while trying to decide which denomination to join.

The family was divided in its choices, and Joseph Jr., after attending many meetings, remained undecided. He described his inability to select a church: “But so great were the confusion and strife among the different denominations, that it was impossible for a person young as I was, and so unacquainted with men and things, to come to any certain conclusion who was right and who was wrong.”

While trying to sort it all out, Joseph was reading the Bible when a scripture in the Epistle of James caught his attention. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5

In his History, Joseph Smith describes the powerful impact of that verse. “It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom that I then had, I would never know. ....” Joseph Smith – History 1:5

After further consideration, Joseph, then 14 years old, decided that he could remain in ignorance or follow the advice of James. Having determined to ask of God, he retreated to the nearby woods and knelt to offer his first vocal prayer.

In response to his prayer, Joseph Smith received what is referred to as the First Vision.

After describing a pillar of light that descended upon him, Joseph said, “When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other — This is My Beloved Son, Hear Him!” Joseph Smith — History 1:17

During the next 14 years, Joseph Smith received additional visions that led to the translation of the Book of Mormon and the establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1830.

This year the church commemorates the bicentennial of the First Vision. The event has great significance for members, especially as an example of the value of prayer in seeking knowledge and personal revelation.

President Russell M. Nelson said: “If Joseph Smith’s transcendent experience in the Sacred Grove teaches us anything, it is that the heavens are open and that God speaks to his children.”