Lighting the World

It is an interesting phenomenon that, with few exceptions, people are nicer around Christmas time.  I believe it is because of the abundance of the Light of Christ that is spread by those who are true believers in Him.  Recently, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has begun a Christmas initiative called Light the World.  In addition to the many wonderful ways that they have suggested how we can be a light to others, I would like to make a few remarks on the subject.

This phrase "Light the World" comes from a couple of passages in the New Testament.  Jesus, immediately after his encounter with the Pharisees and the adulterous woman, and likely addressing those willing to stay and listen to him, said, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12. See also D&C 10:70 and 11:28).  Of all the things to say to a captive audience, waiting to see how the Savior would respond after a difficult event like that, He chose to speak of the great hope He brought to the world.  We no longer have to walk in darkness.

Prophets in the Book of Mormon, such as Abinadi and Alma, have also taught about Christ as the Light of the world.
"He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death" (Mosiah 16:9).
"there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world" (Alma 38:9).
Christ himself when visiting the Americas said, "I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world" (3 Nephi 11:11).

One of my favorite scriptures about the light of the world is in the Doctrine and Covenants:
"He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth;
Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ....
And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings;
Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space--
The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things"
(D&C 88:6-7,11-13).

And a rather interesting one from the New Testament, speaking of the eventual establishment of the city Zion: "And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof" (Rev. 21:23).

It is significant that, after all this talk about how He is the Light of the world, Christ taught that "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid" (Matt. 5:14).  If Christ is the light of the world, how can we be also?  I believe it is through reflecting the actions of the Savior.  As a mirror reflects physical light, we too can reflect the spiritual light that comes from above.

How is this to be accomplished?  King Benjamin taught his people that they needed to help others if they wanted to be like Christ.  It is through serving that we retain a remission of our sins, and thus qualify to have the Holy Ghost with us.  This in turn will help those we are serving, and others all around, feel the light of Christ.

Pres. Eyring spoke on this subject in general conference of April 2016:
"When our faith in Jesus Christ leads us to qualify for the joy of His forgiveness, we feel a desire to serve others for Him. King Benjamin taught that forgiveness is not accomplished in a single moment.
He said it this way: “And now, for the sake of these things which I have spoken unto you—that is, for the sake of retaining a remission of your sins from day to day, that ye may walk guiltless before God—I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants” (Mosiah 4:26).
Alma’s great companion Amulek also taught the truth that we must continue in our service to Him to retain forgiveness: “And now behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you, do not suppose that this is all; for after ye have done all these things, if ye turn away the needy, and the naked, and visit not the sick and afflicted, and impart of your substance, if ye have, to those who stand in need—I say unto you, if ye do not any of these things, behold, your prayer is vain, and availeth you nothing, and ye are as hypocrites who do deny the faith” (Alma 34:28)."

In this wonderful spirit of Christmas that is beginning to permeate the world around us, let us contribute to the growing light of the gospel by looking for and taking advantage of opportunities to give service.  By this we will not only bless others, but will ourselves be blessed.