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The Light of the World

Sunday, December 21st, 2008 | Healing after Loss, The Healing Power of Service | No Comments

The Light of the World
I walked through the Washington D.C. zoo with my grandson on a cold wintry night last week, attending their “Zoo Lights” event. All along the sidewalks were displays of lights, depicting shapes of different animals, some realistic, some whimsical. His eyes were filled with delight as he saw each new shining figure. At the farthest end of the zoo was a forest of “dancing trees”, whose lights were choreographed to music, making it appear that the trees were moving to the Christmas tunes.
He sat transfixed in his stroller, his eyes glued to the dazzling splendor in front of him.

We took the Metro to see the Christmas Tree erected in front of the White House. We walked with hundreds of other people around the perimeter of the huge evergreen, ablaze with lights. In spite of the frigid weather, people stood gazing at it, reluctant to leave the beautiful sight.

On the way home, we saw what seemed like millions of lights, on decorations lining the streets, hanging from the eaves of homes, and encircling the Christmas trees visible through the open curtains on the windows of houses we passed.

During this holiday season, we surround ourselves with light. We decorate our homes, inside and out, with strands of lights, multi-colored or clear, to express the joy of the season.

We are drawn to light. We innately shun darkness and are constantly seeking more light. When going through a trial or a loss, we anxiously await the time when we will come to “the light at the end of the tunnel”, and when we talk of coming to understand something that before was obscure, we talk of  finally “coming to the light”.

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is The Light of the World. One who saw Him described Him thus: “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying: “I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father.” 1

What glorious news! In this world where we are surrounded by so much darkness, we have an Advocate! We have a Light to guide and protect us. We have a Light to instruct and inspire us. We have a light to lift us when we are drowning in the darkness of despair. That light is Jesus Christ, “the “light of the world because he is the source of the light which ‘proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space.’ 2
His light  is the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world.’ 3
His example and his teachings illuminate the path we should walk…” 4

This week as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, may every light we see remind us of the light He brings into our life. May we bring light into others’ lives because we have His light in ours. President Thomas S. Monson said, “Opportunities to give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. There are hearts to gladden. There are kind words to say. There are gifts to be given. There are deeds to be done. There are souls to be saved.” 5
The surest way to bathe in the light of the Savior, and to find healing, is to follow His example of service and love. May we use this season as an opportunity to look beyond our own grief and pain, and find ways to emulate our Savior, Jesus Christ, and in His light, bring light into the dark corner of another’s life.

In His Light,

Roslyn

1. Doctrine and Covenants 110:3-4

2. Doctrine and Covenants 88:12

3. Doctrine and Covenants 93:2

4. Dallin H. Oaks, “The Light and the Life”, Liahona, Dec 1997, 42-43

5. President Thomas S. Monson, The Best Christmas Ever, Ensign, Dec. 2008, 6

Tags: Christmas, Light, The Healing Power of Service