Albert Einstein once said that “Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.” Well there’s one “coincidence” regarding the life of Joseph Smith that I just can’t get over. When looked at in the context of what this prophet was supposed to do…it’s almost incomprehensible.

The day before Joseph Smith was born was the twenty second of December. That day is called the “Winter Solstice” otherwise known as the “shortest day” of the year. Out of 365 days, that day gives the least amount of light to the Northern Hemisphere making it the “darkest of days” in the part of the world that Joseph Smith was born. The dawning of the next day, which is December 23rd, marks the beginning of “brighter days!” That day is a symbol of new beginnings and greater light to be coming soon.

Now imagine that! Joseph Smith was born on the one corresponding day of the calendar year that brought brighter days on to the earth. Out of 365 days…what are the odds that this prophet of the last dispensation would be born on that day? For him and his mission…it is the only day that makes sense. His birth marked the day a prophet was born who would later be called to “bring the Church out of obscurity and out of darkness.” But how could anyone have known that or planned that except God Himself?

Have you ever wondered why the very first hymn in the LDS hymnbook is called “The Morning Breaks”? Skim the first verse real quick if you’re not familiar with it:

The morning breaks, the shadows flee; Lo, Zion’s standard is unfurled!

The dawning of a brighter day,

The dawning of a brighter day

Majestic rises on the world.

It is also interesting to consider that Joseph was born two days before the day in which we celebrate Christmas. The “greater light” of most importance that Joseph brought forth was the correct knowledge and understanding of Jesus Christ. Who he was and is, and what his relationship is with the Father and with us. Joseph Smith had no greater mission than to come to this earth and become a “revealer of Christ.” He was raised up on the single most applicable day of the year to testify of Christ.

You can say I’m grasping at straws. You can say it’s just a coincidence. I choose to believe it’s a miracle. The timing is too significant for me to believe otherwise.