Jesus 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)Â
Jesus Christ is the light of this world! In the scriptures we find examples of the effects of the Savior’s light. One example is found in Alma. Ammon, a missionary who preached the gospel to the Lamanites, taught the King key doctrine including the creation, God’s dealings with men, and redemption that comes through Jesus Christ. Believing the words of Ammon, King Lamoni began to pray unto the Lord. “He fell unto the earth, as if he were dead” (Alma 18:42)… But he was not dead (Alma 19:7).
In Alma 19:6 we learn, “… King Lamoni was under the power of God;[…] the dark veil of unbelief was being cast away from his mind, and the light which did light up his mind, which was the light of the glory of God, which was a marvelous light of his goodness – yea, this light had infused such joy into his soul, the cloud of darkness having been dispelled, and that the light of everlasting life was lit up in his soul, yea, […] this had overcome his natural frame, and he was carried away in God.”
In our own lives, darkness will be dispelled as we make space for the light of Christ.
Another way the light of Christ touches our lives is when we seek personal revelation. Today a multitude of opinions, perspectives, and voices create an overwhelming whirlwind. President Nelson taught, “Imagine the miracle of it! […] We can pray to our Heavenly Father and receive guidance and direction, be warned about dangers and distractions, and be enabled to accomplish things we simply could not do on our own. If we will truly receive the Holy Ghost and learn to discern and understand His promptings, we will be guided in matters large and small.”
As we intentionally follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, making space for Him in our hearts by turning to Him for direction, He will lead us, guide us, and walk beside us. He will light our path along the way. In Him we will find true joy and peace.
In the book of Mosiah we read, “[Jesus Christ] 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, and there can be no more death” (Mosiah 16:9).
It is hard for me to speak of the birth of Christ without remembering his life, example, and his infinite and atoning sacrifice that makes the everlasting difference for you, me, and all mankind.
Mosiah 16:7-8 reads, “If Christ had not risen from the dead, or have broken the bands of death that the grave should have no victory, and that death should have no sting, there could have been no resurrection. But there IS a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ.”
I simply love the profound imagery found in these verses! The STING of death is SWALLOWED up in Christ.
In the book of Mosiah, Abinadi testified of Jesus Christ, “O how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of Him that bringeth good tidings, that is the founder of peace, yea even the Lord, who has redeemed His people; yea, Him who has granted salvation unto His people. For were it not for the redemption which He hath made for His people, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, I say unto you, were it not for this, all mankind must have perished. But behold, the bands of death shall be broken, and the Son reigneth, and hath power over the dead; therefore, He bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead” (Mosiah 15:18-20).
This knowledge of our Savior brings PEACE and HOPE!
God is a God of wisdom, mercy, grace, love and goodness. He has prepared the way, that through the infinite atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ we WILL all be resurrected. “And in our bodies we shall see God” (2 Nephi 9:4).
“Jesus Christ, (is) the only name which shall be given under heaven, whereby salvation shall come unto the children of men” (Moses 6:52).
I testify that Jesus Christ is the Redeemer, Savior, and Light of the world. We celebrate His birth, His life, His example, His infinite & eternal sacrifice for ALL men, women & children. Jesus Christ is the reason we celebrate today and He gives us reason to celebrate EVERY day!
Throughout this Christmas season let us remember our Savior Jesus Christ and share His everlasting light with all those we meet!
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