Sing a Song of Joseph

By Kerri Robinson

To learn about the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, tell and sing this story of Joseph Smith with your family, Primary class, or friends. You can have one narrator, or each take turns reading and holding the pictures.

Note: Most pictures are from the Gospel Art Picture Kit (240, 402, 403, 404, 406, 520, 400). Substitutes can be found in the ward or branch library. All songs are from the Children’s Songbook.

(GAK 240: Jesus the Christ) Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ had a special mission for a certain man.

(GAK 402: Joseph Smith Seeks Wisdom in the Bible) As a young boy, Joseph Smith had many questions about religion. He studied the Bible often, and found an important scripture in James 1:5: “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.”

Song: “Seek the Lord Early” (p. 108)

When he was 14 years old, Joseph wanted to know which church was right. He knew he needed to ask Heavenly Father to help him know the truth. On a beautiful spring day, Joseph walked to a quiet place and knelt in a grove of trees to pray. Something happened that day that changed the world.

Song: “This Is My Beloved Son” (p. 76, verse 3)

(GAK 403: The First Vision) Joseph saw Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. They instructed Joseph not to join any of the churches. What joy Joseph must have felt to know that Heavenly Father loves us, and hears and answers our prayers!

Song: “I Know My Father Lives” (p. 5)

(GAK 404: Moroni Appears to Joseph Smith in His Room) When Joseph was 17 years old, he was praying before bedtime when something marvelous happened. Moroni, an angel of the Lord, appeared to him and told him of gold plates. The plates had special inspired writings engraved on them that were recorded hundreds of years ago.

Song: “An Angel Came to Joseph Smith” (p. 86)

(GAK 406: Joseph Smith Receives the Gold Plates) In time, Joseph received the gold plates.

Song: “The Golden Plates” (p. 86)

With the help of Heavenly Father, Joseph translated the words so the ancient record could be read. That translation is the Book of Mormon and is another witness of Jesus Christ.

Song: “Book of Mormon Stories” (p. 118, verses 1, 2, and 8)

(GAK 520: Gordon B. Hinckley) Through divine revelation, Joseph Smith restored the true Church on the earth. Its teachings center on our Savior, Jesus Christ. The Church is directed by Jesus Christ through a living prophet.

(GAK 400: Joseph Smith) Joseph Smith was the first prophet of the latter days. He made many sacrifices so we could have the Church, the blessings of the gospel, and the Book of Mormon. He was called names, beaten, and died defending the truth. How grateful we are for our Prophet, Joseph Smith!

Stand and sing “The Church of Jesus Christ” (p. 77).

Illustrations by Julie F. Young

Joseph Smith courtesy Community of Christ Archives