“The birth of the Savior into mortality is an event of immeasurable significance that occurred almost 2,000 years ago. In much of the world, calendar years are numbered forward and backward from the entire time of His birth.”

American businessman and Latter-day Saint religious leader

Joseph B. Wirthlin was an American businessman and Latter-day Saint religious leader. He served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was sustained to the Twelve on October 4, 1986, and ordained an apostle on October 9, 1986, by Thomas S. Monson. His appointment followed the death of church president Spencer W. Kimball. In that role, he was accepted by church members as a prophet, seer, and revelator.