THE LIGHT OF JESUS CHRIST

I read an interesting article by M. Russell Ballard on the Light of the Savior.

“As the sun set on another Sunday in 1948, I found myself walking down the side of the Trent River in Nottingham, England. As a 20-year-old missionary, I had recently been called as district president. It had been a long, exhausting day filled with meetings and ministering, but I was happy and satisfied in the work.

As I walked along the river, I said a prayer in my heart. Hoping to feel some guidance from the Lord, I asked, ‘Am I doing what You want?’ An overwhelming feeling of peace and understanding came over me. At that precise moment, I came to know that Jesus Christ knew me and loved me. I didn’t see a vision or hear a voice, but I could not have known of Christ’s reality and divinity any more powerfully had He stood before me and called out my name.  From the Savior came the power that created and that lights the sun, moon, stars, and earth (see Doctrine and Covenants 88: 7-10).  He can rightfully declare, “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 in the Bible see also John 9:5 in the Bible).

The Apostle John said, “The light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not” (1 John 1: 5 in the Bible). In our day, Satan is working overtime to lead God’s children into darkness, shutting out “the light, and the life, and the truth of the world” (Ether 4:12 in the Book of Mormon).  The Apostle John said, “The light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not” (John 1:5 in the Bible). In our day, Satan is working overtime to lead God’s children into darkness, shutting out “the light, and the life, and the truth of the world” (Ether 4:12 in the Bible).  We cannot fully comprehend—or appreciate—the Savior and His gospel when we lose His light and truth. But as we repent and obey, serve, and worship Him, we conquer darkness. His light returns and removes the shadows of the world from our midst and our minds.

I have found that His light burns brighter in my soul when I make time for things of the Spirit during still, quiet moments. That is when spiritual impressions, guidance, and light come to us. That is when we come to understand how truly blessed, we are to have a Savior.

As the Light of the World, the Savior lights the path of our mortal journey with His example and teachings (see John 8: 12 in the Bible). He lightens our load with His love and compassion (see Matthew 11:28 – 30 in the Bible)). He lightens our hearts with hope and healing through His Atonement (see Moroni 7:41 in the Book of Mormon). And He enlightens our minds with “the Spirit of truth” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:15; see also 11:13).

Anciently, the Savior told His disciples:

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. …

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5: 14, 16 in the Bible).

To the people of Nephi, He said, “Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do.” He added, “Ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do” (3 Nephi 18: 24; 27:21 in the Book of Mormon).

There is no gift more important and precious that I can give to my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and you, my friends throughout the world, than my sure witness that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of our Eternal Father, the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind.

At times, I become weary. In those moments, I stop and look at a picture of the Savior. I think of Him in Gethsemane, and then, suddenly, I am no longer tired. I know in my heart that because He overcame the world, “darkness is past, and the true light now shineth” (I John 2: 8 in the Bible).”(Quoted Part of an article entitled “The Light of Life” by President M. Russell Ballard, January 2023 in the Liahona Magazine)

If we are faithful in keeping the commandments, the Savior has promised almost unbelievable blessings.

Blessings Promised

“For thus saith the Lord—I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end.  Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory.  And to them will I reveal all mysteries, yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come, will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom.  Yea, even the wonders of eternity shall they know, and things to come will I show them…”  (Doctrine and Covenants 76: 5-8 p. 137)