How President Russell M. Nelson celebrated his 101st birthday with his wife, children

President Russell M. Nelson, the oldest leader of a global religion, turned 101 on Tuesday, Sept. 9, but he celebrated his birthday on Sunday with his family.

The president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, gathered with President Nelson’s daughters and son and their spouses at the Church Administration Building in Salt Lake City. They read birthday cards and shared cake.

In a post on social media on Tuesday morning, President Nelson said,

“Brothers and sisters, I feel truly humbled to be celebrating my 101st birthday with my children so close — whether in person or forever in my heart.

“Even though those pictured are all adults with children, grandchildren, and even a great grandchild of their own, I still feel the tenderness I felt for them when they were small enough to rock in my arms.

“From then to now, I’ve done my best to teach them the gospel of Jesus Christ. The glad tidings I have taught them are the same lessons I have often shared with you.

“God is our Father. We are His children. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. This is His Church, which is reflected in the name He gave it. It is only through Jesus Christ’s Atonement that we can repent of our sins and return to God’s presence.

“We will find joy in life as we “think celestial” and follow the covenant path that begins with baptism and leads us to The House of The Lord. God speaks to us when we make the effort to hear Him. The world needs peacemakers, so please be kind.

“Thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for expressing gratitude. Thank you for your prayers. You inspire me to strive to become a better disciple of Jesus Christ.”

President Nelson’s birthday wish

President Nelson published an essay in Time Magazine on Friday with his birthday wish “for all of us”: that people embrace divine truths taught by Jesus Christ.

“If we embrace these eternal truths — honoring our own worth, treating others with dignity, and nurturing our families — our lives, and our world, will be steadier and more joyful," he wrote.

People around the world are reflecting on what they have learned from President Nelson’s teachings as an apostle of Jesus Christ.

For example, Brigitte Madrian, the dean of BYU’s Marriott School of Business shared lessons she has learned in an op-ed in the Deseret News.

She said he has taught her about the importance of obedience and love.

“Thank you, President Nelson, for a consecrated lifetime of love and service to others,” she wrote.