Why Is Light Important?

Today is a special day because it is the anniversary of the day when I became a grandmother more than twenty years ago. Today is also special because it is the Winter Solstice, or the shortest day of the year. The sun rose in my neighborhood at 10:12 A.M. this morning and set at 3:42 P.M. this afternoon, about five and a half hours of daylight. After living in Alaska for nearly fifty years, I have learned the importance of light – as have many other Alaskans.

Some years ago, the municipality of Anchorage asked its residents to put up Christmas lights in October and to leave them up until March. My daughter came to Alaska in February for a family funeral and remarked that she enjoyed seeing the Christmas lights as she ran around the neighborhood. I enjoy looking out my kitchen window, past my dark backyard, and see the lights on the trees of my neighbors.

I, along with many of my friends and neighbors, put up the Christmas tree around Thanksgiving. Some people put up their trees in October simply because they want more light in their home. I put up my tree a few days after Thanksgiving this year for the benefit of the lights even though I put no ornaments on it for another two weeks. In addition, I put a miniature Christmas tree in the bathroom just to see lights as I walk down the hall. I have another smaller tree in the dining room to light a dark corner.

Over the years, I learned interesting facts about how my body responds to the decreasing daylight in winter and the increasing light of summer. Around the beginning of March, I feel my body coming to life with more energy and desire to tackle many tasks. I compare the reactions in my body to how plants must feel when they start poking through the soil to grow again. This energetic feeling continues to grow as spring turns into summer.

As soon as we reach the longest day of the year and start losing daylight, I can feel the decreasing energy in my body. By fall, I start fighting the hibernation syndrome that seeks to take over my body. This syndrome makes me want to eat more food and to sleep longer hours. I fight against hibernation syndrome by staying busy and getting out of the house several days each week. When the sun starts coming back, I seek to exercise more and to be more social.

Elder Ted E. Brewerton of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spoke

about light and its effect on us. He said that there are two types of light – physical light and spiritual light. 

Physical light, especially natural light, affects the moods of people. When summer’s light begins to fade, days grow shorter, and the winter season looms darkly ahead, natural light becomes a more precious commodity, especially to people who live in extreme northern climates. There, where darkness reigns for up to three months a year and then summer blooms into three months of constant daylight, moods swing with the seasons.

Light does have a profound effect on human mood and behavior. Mounting evidence indicates that people who are feeling a little down and need a lift can get it by going outside in daylight. Walking in the light is a natural mood booster. Many who simply walk for half an hour or more during the daylight hours receive a distinct benefit….

Scientists are not entirely certain which wavelengths cause light’s mood-boosting effects. Researchers believe that these effects are traceable to light taken in through the eyes and not through the skin.

A second medical use of light is light therapy for treating some cancers. Certain chemicals combined with light can destroy cancer cells. Certain chemicals combined with light can destroy cancer cells. Research is under way to identify the best source of light and to determine how to direct it to body areas….

Elder Brewer then switched from physical light to spiritual light. Spiritual light “comes form God and his gospel.” We can read in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 88, of this spiritual truth – “the light of truth.”

Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made….

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. (Doctrine and Covenants 88:6-7, 11-13)

Elder Brewer explained that the “word light appears 535 times in the scriptures. He continued with his explanation about light.

Light has a relationship to the Son of God: “And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:67) ….

Jesus Christ is the Light of the world…. [According to Elder Bruce R. McConkie] Our Lord is the Light of the world in at least three ways:

“1. Through the Light of Christ he governs and controls the universe and gives life to all that therein is.

“2. By this same immensity-filling light – and to certain faithful ones, by the power of the Holy Ghost! – he enlightens the mind and quickens the understanding.

“3. By his own upright, sinless, and perfect course, in [premortal life], in mortality, and in resurrected glory, he sets a perfect example and is able to say to all men: ‘Follow thou me.’” (2 Ne. 31:10.) (The Promised Messiah, p. 208).

Jesus Christ is the source of both physical light and spiritual light. The light in our lives comes from Jesus Christ, and His light helps us to be healthy both physically and spiritually. There is a reason why I feel like I am growing in the increasing light and hibernating in the decreasing light. The darkness of night is a time to rest our bodies and minds, while the darkness of winter gives plants a time of rest. However, all living things thrive with light.

What Is the Light of Christ and What Does It Do?

            My Come, Follow Me lesson this week took me to Doctrine and Covenants 88. The revelation that is contained in this section was received through the Prophet Joseph Smith in three parts. The first part, Doctrine and Covenants 88:1-126 was revealed on December 27-28, 1832. The second part, verses 127-137, was received on January 3, 1833. The third part, verses 138-141, was received prior to the publication of the 1835 volume of the Doctrine and Covenants.

The Prophet Joseph Smith referred to the revelation as an “‘olive leaf’ … plucked from the Tree of Paradise” (section heading of Doctrine and Covenants 88). The name may have been given as a message of peace that could help to ease the harsh feelings that some members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were experiencing toward Church leaders in Kirtland, Ohio.

In the first half of the revelation, the Lord told the elders of the Church to teach each other and to prepare to serve as missionaries. He also revealed other information, including signs of His Second Coming, the general order for the resurrection of all people, and some events surrounding the final battle with Satan at the end of the Millennium. Towards the end of the revelation, the Lord commanded the Saints to build a “house of God” or temple in Kirtland, Ohio (verse 119), and to organize “a school of the prophets” (verse 127).

One of the principles taught in this section is that “light and law come from Jesus Christ” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:4-13).

4 This Comforter is the promise which I give unto you of eternal life, even the glory of the celestial kingdom;

5 Which glory is that of the church of the Firstborn, even of God, the holiest of all, through Jesus Christ his Son—

6 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;

7 Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made.

8 As also he is in the moon, and is the light of the moon, and the power thereof by which it was made;

9 As also the light of the stars, and the power thereof by which they were made;

10 And the earth also, and the power thereof, even the earth upon which you stand.

11 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;

12 Which light proceedeth froth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space—

13 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.

            The words light and law are repeated many times in section 88. These words are used in other scriptures to describe Jesus Christ and His gospel. Some examples are Isaiah 60:19; John 1:1-9; 3 Nephi 15:9). Studying these and other scriptures can inspire us to make changes in our lives to receive more light and to better live the “law of Christ” (verse 21). The Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual for Religion 324-325 [2018] gives the following information.

Jesus Christ is the Firstborn of Heavenly Father’s spirit children (see Doctrine and Covenants 93:21). In the premortal life He obtained all knowledge and power and represented the Father as the Creator of all things (see Doctrine and Covenants 38:1-3; 45:1; 76:23-24). It was through His power that the sun, moon, stars, and earth were made (see Doctrine and Covenants 88:7-10). This creative power is identified as “the light of truth,” or “the light of truth,” or “the light of Christ,” which “proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:6-7, 12). This “light … which giveth life to all things” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:13) is also the spiritual power that “quickeneth [our] understandings” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:11). In earlier revelations the Saints had learned that if they would receive and hearken to this light, it would lead them to Heavenly Father and the covenants of the gospel “see Doctrine and Covenants 50:24: 84:45-48).

            This explanation illustrates why the power of God is known as the “Light of Christ.” Elder Richard G. Scott (1928-2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained as follows:

The Light of Christ is that divine power or influence that emanates from God through Jesus Christ. It gives light and life to all things. It prompts all rational individuals throughout the earth to distinguish truth from error, right from wrong. It activates your conscience [see Moroni 7:16]. Its influence can be weakened through transgression and addiction and restored through proper repentance. The Light of Christ is not a person. It is a power and influence that comes from God and when followed can lead a person to qualify for the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Ghost [see John 1:9; Doctrine and Covenants 84:46-47] (“Peace of Conscience and Peace of Mind,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2004, 15).

            The Light of Christ is the power that bring life and light to all things. We should also understand that the Light of Christ is also “the law by which all things are governed” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:13). This insight increases our appreciation for God’s power and for the fact that it makes life possible for all. President Joseph Fielding Smith gave this description:

This Light of Christ is not a personage. It has no body. I do not know what it is as far as substance is concerned; but it fills the immensity of space and emanates from God….

… Unless a man had the blessings that come from this Spirit, his mind would not be quickened; there would be no vegetation grow; the words would not stay in their orbits; because it is through this Spirit of Truth, this Light of Truth, according to this revelation [in Doctrine and Covenants 88], that all these things are done (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:52).

            The Light of Christ is a power that comes from God. It is the power by which the sun, moon, stars, and earth were created and have light. It is the power that brings life and light to all living matter on earth. Without the Light of Christ, none of us would be here.        

Light of Christ

                I studied about the Light of Christ in my scripture study this week.  Many people are completely unaware of the Light of Christ, and many others are confused about it.  I hope that my readers will have a better understanding of the Light of Christ by the time they finish reading this post.

                The ancient American prophet named Moroni wandered for approximately thirty-five years after the rest of Nephites were destroyed; he survived that long by hiding from the Lamanites who would have killed him. 

Moroni wrote many sacred instructions during his wandering years, and some of that counsel concerned the Light of Christ.  He wrote about how “all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil” (Moroni 7:12).  He told us how we can discern good from evil:  “every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God” (Moroni 7:13).  Then Moroni explained about the Light of Christ.

                “For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.

                “… And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged.

                “Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ” (Moroni 7:17, 19).

                We know from Moroni that the Light of Christ is given to us to help us judge between good and evil, but we may still not know what the Light of Christ actually is.  The Bible Dictionary gives us a good description of the Light of Christ:  “The light of Christ is just what the words imply:  enlightenment, knowledge, and an uplifting, ennobling, preserving influence that comes upon mankind because of Jesus Christ….

                “The light of Christ should not be confused with the personage of the Holy Ghost, for the light of Christ is not a personage at all.  Its influence is preliminary to and preparatory to one’s receiving the Holy Ghost…” (p. 725).

                Now we know that the Light of Christ is “enlightenment, knowledge, and an uplifting, preserving influence.”  We also know it is an influence that comes with us from our premortal life that makes us better people if we listen to it.  Now what do we do with this knowledge?

                Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said that the “Light of Christ is what many people would call a conscience.”  He explained that it is “more than a psychological effect that takes place within people.”  He gave the following example of how the Light of Christ works in people:  “Someone can be riding on a bus, see someone in distress and feel a compassion and a desire to assist and serve this person.  Many people would say, nah, it’s just natural behavior, but it’s more.  It’s the influence of God that pulls us, that influences us to be good and to do good.  Every person, ever born - in history, now, in the future – is influenced by the Light of Christ for goodness.  As we yield to that influence to do good and become good, then the Light of Christ increases within us.  As we disobey, light is decreased and can ultimately be diminished.”  (Mormon Message)

                President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, also spoke about the Light of Christ:  “Regardless of whether this inner light, this knowledge of right and wrong, is called the Light of Christ, moral sense, or conscience, it can direct us to moderate our actions – unless, that is, we subdue it or silence it. …

                “Every man, woman, and child of every nation, creed, or color – everyone, no matter where they live or what they believe or what they do – has within them the imperishable Light of Christ.”  (See “The Light of Christ,” Ensign, April 2005, 8, 10.)  

                The Light of Christ, also known as the Spirit of Christ and conscience, helps us discern good from evil.  Whatever we call this influence, we know that it invites us to come unto Christ as well as to care for each other, to serve one another, and to perform good deeds.  As we follow the Light of Christ, it will lead us to the true gospel of Jesus Christ and the Gift of the Holy Ghost, one of the greatest gifts we can receive while in mortality.

Are You Prepared?

                Brother M, the instructor for my Book of Mormon – Another Testament of Jesus Christ class, gives wonderful insights into our lessons each week.  His past two screencasts have been exceptional and gave me much to ponder.  I thought I would share some of his insights with my readers.

                I shared last week about the visit by Samuel the Lamanites to the Nephites to call them to repentance.  He was cast out of the city and was heading home when he was commanded to return and present the message that would come into his heart.  Samuel could not get back into the city so he climbed up on top of the top of the city wall.  As part of his message, he gave some signs of the birth of Jesus Christ as well as some signs of His death. 

                In Helaman 14:3, Samuel said that there would be “great lights in heaven” and “no darkness” on the night before Christ was born.  In Helaman 14:20, Samuel gave a sign for Christ’s death:  “… in that day that he shall suffer death the sun shall be darkened and refuse to give his light unto you; and also the moon and the stars; and there shall be no light upon the face of this land, even from the time that he shall suffer death, for the space of three days, to the time that he shall rise again from the dead.”

                Third Nephi 1:15 tells us that “at the going down of the sun there was no darkness.”  We read in Third Nephi 8 about natural disasters that took place at the time of Christ’s death.  There was a terrible storm with thunder, lightning, tempests, and quaking of the earth.  This storm lasted for three hours and was followed by three days of darkness.  After experiencing a 30-60 second earthquake a couple of weeks ago, I can testify that three hours would be a very long time to experience shaking.  Then there total darkness because “there could be no light, because of the darkness, neither candles, neither torches; neither could there be fire kindled with their fine and exceedingly dry wood, so that there could not be any light at all” (Third Nephi 8:21).

                Jesus Christ is the Light of the world.  All light comes from Him – the sun, the moon, and the stars.  When we see these lights, we actually see the Light of Christ.  (See Doctrine and Covenants 88:6-13).  When Christ returns to earth, the sun will “hide its face,” the “moon shall be bathed in blood,” and the stars “shall cast themselves down.”  (See Doctrine and Covenants 88:87.)  

                The previous information contains insights from last week, and the following information from this week adds to it.  We are now studying about what happened between the birth of Christ and His visit to the Nephites after His resurrection.  President Ezra Taft Benson compared those days to our days:  “The record of the Nephite history just prior to the Savior’s visit reveals many parallels to our own day as we anticipate the Savior’s second coming.”  (See Ensign, May 1987, 4.)

                Even though I look forward to the return of Jesus Christ, I still feel some anxiety about what will happen in the days leading up to His return.  I often wonder if I am properly prepared for this exciting event, and I was comforted by my instructor’s insights.  He explained that there is a way that we can determine our readiness.  We live in a world that has many symbols – Apple has an apple and Nike has a swoosh.

                The First Presidency has told us to focus on the temple and to make the temple a symbol for our lives.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has published several pamphlets to help the youth live righteous lives; the cover of each of these pamphlets has a picture of the Salt Lake Temple.

                President Gordon B. Hinckley explained that “we want to focus youth on the temple as the place we want them to arrive.  Temple service is the end product of all of our teaching and activity.” (See Ensign, Nov. 2005, p 4.)  President Hinckley also said, “Every individual who qualifies for a temple recommend is also qualified as a faithful Latter-day Saint.”

                Temples are dotting the earth at the present time and increasing steadily (150 dedicated temples next month with 173 temples announced and dedicated).  Yet, as my instructor pointed out, John the Revelator wrote, “And I saw no temple therein:  for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it” (Revelation 21:22). 

                This scripture connects the information about light and temples.  Jesus Christ is the Light of the world, and He is also the temple.  Brother M. concluded that we can know how we are living by how close we are connected to the temple.  If we are connected with the temple through regular and frequent temple service, we are considered faithful Latter-day Saints and prepared for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. 

                I love to be in the temple and consider my week incomplete until I complete at least one, and usually two, temple sessions.  This knowledge brings great comfort to my soul as I continue to prove myself worthy to return to the presence of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.