These past two weeks, I have been reminded of and pondered on the power of light in our lives. This started when my family went to a work party for my husband. My son, even though he is young, is already very curious and observant. He is always looking at everything around him and he loves to people watch. As we rode the subway to the party, he stared at everyone that was around us. Whenever he made eye contact with someone, he smiled at them. Almost every time, the person he smiled at either smiled back at him or laughed. As we were at the party, I saw him walk around to different people, and he seemed to brighten the day of every single person that he came into contact with.
As we rode the subway back home, he continued to smile and make people laugh. A few people even said that he made their day. A family sat next to us on the subway, and my son started interacting with them. He smiled and laughed as they talked to him and played peekaboo. After a little while, the mother of the family turned to me and said, “remember these moments, because they’ll always make you happy.”
I do want to always remember these moments. I want to remember how effortlessly my son seems to bring happiness to anyone. It never ceases to amaze me how the smile of a one year old can bring so much joy to so many people. Every single person that he came in contact with seemed to be better off because of their interactions with him. No matter where we go, my son exudes happiness to those around him and the light of Christ within him is undeniable.
I am the Light of the World
When Jesus Christ was still on the earth, he taught us about light. In John 8:12, it says, “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
What exactly does it mean that Jesus Christ is the light of the world? To me, Jesus Christ is the light of the world because He is our Savior. He came to the earth, lived a perfect life, taught us through word and deed, suffered for our sins, died for us, and was resurrected. He was a perfect exemplar and teacher. He, through His atonement, made it possible for us to repent, grow, and improve. He also made it possible for us to be resurrected and live with our Heavenly Father once again. He is our Savior, He is our light.
If Jesus Christ is the light of the world, how do we bring the light of Christ in our lives? In the bible dictionary, it says, “The light of Christ is just what the words imply: enlightenment, knowledge, and an uplifting, ennobling, persevering influence that comes upon mankind because of Jesus Christ.”
The light of Christ is the spirit and happiness that we feel and possess through our knowledge and understanding of Jesus Christ as our Savior. The deeper our understanding of and relationship with Jesus Christ, the more brightly that light shines within us. The more we strengthen our relationship with Christ, the better we are able to maintain the light of Christ in our lives.
Share our Light with the World
Once we begin to understand the significance of Jesus Christ as the light of the world and are able to bring some of the light of Christ into our own lives, it is our responsibility to share that light with those around us. Jesus Christ taught us in Matthew 5:
“14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
There are so many people that we interact with each day that could use the light of Christ in their lives. Many people have never felt the light or love of Christ. Many others may have forgotten what that light feels like. Some people are going through hard times and could use a little light and happiness. No matter the circumstances of those that we come into contact with, the light of Christ will bring happiness to those who feel and see it.
Seek the Light When Darkness Abounds
At some points in our lives, it may be easy to feel the light of Christ and share that light with others. At other times, it may be hard to find any light at all. Sister Sharon Eubank gave a talk in general conference in April 2019 entitled, “Christ: The Light That Shines in Darkness.” In this talk, she beautifully teaches how we can find and cleave unto the Light of Christ in our lives, even in times of darkness. There were a few things that stood out to me as I reviewed this talk.
Sister Eubank talks about how Satan works to put out our light and distance us from Jesus Christ. She mentions that in our lives, we will feel that it is hard to see the light through the darkness. Some of us may be overtaken by grief. Some may be tired and worn out. Some may feel like they don’t fit in. Some may have doubts or questions. Some feel like they will never be good enough. Most of us will feel one or all of these things throughout our lives. The important thing to remember is, despite our struggles, doubts or inadequacies, Jesus Christ is always there. If you feel like darkness is taking over or like you can’t feel or see the light, keep pushing.
Sister Eubank teaches, “Jesus said, ‘I am the light [that]shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.’ That means no matter how hard it tries, the darkness cannot put out that light. Ever. You can trust that his light will be there for you.”
I know from personal experience that this is true. No matter what, the sun will continue to shine. No matter how bleak things might seem in the moment, we will eventually be able to feel the light of Christ again. Keep pushing and the Lord will help you to see His light. When you are able to push past your own struggles, remember that people around you may also be struggling. They may need to see a glimpse of light in someone else to give them the hope to move forward. Strive to be that light. Be kind and happy, and those around you will notice. Smile at people and treat them the way that the Savior would. I know that as we do this, we can and will brighten people’s day, just as my son did on the subway. We can shine our light, and as we do so, we will glorify our Father in Heaven. With the darkness that surrounds us, the world needs our light.