STERKWORKS | Ex-Mormon Lesbian Surviving Utah

I grew up believing that the actual birth date of Jesus Christ was April 6. How this came about, I don’t recall. It just always was.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon church) was organized on April 6, 1830, in New York. (Oh, Happy Birthday Mormon Church, Too.) And some believe that the Doctrine and Covenants (additional Mormon scripture) section 20, verse 1, that organizes the church, is the key that proves Jesus Christ was born on April 6.

D&C 20:1-The rise of the Church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh, it being regularly organized and established agreeable to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April—

Some assume that this scripture means that this day, April 6, is the exact day on which Jesus was born. Just one theory. I think most people pretty much know Christ was not really born on December 25. That day was picked by Constantine in 325 at the Council of Nicaea to coincide with a Roman festival.

Regardless of when Christ was born, when I was a teenager I suggested that on April 6 our Mormon youth group have a birthday party for Jesus. That didn’t go over very well. I guess even when I was a true believer, I had a little evil streak in me.

So, happy birthday Jesus and happy birthday Mormon church. I forgot to buy you anything. Please forgive me.

Filed under: History, Mormon