In recent nights there has been a brilliant star high in the sky that has been calling attention to itself. Even looking up from our apartment balcony, with all the bright lights of the city, it could clearly be seen in the evening sky. It shined with a steady, golden glow so clearly that I could even see six points around the star. To my surprise I discovered it wasn’t a star at all, but rather the planet Jupiter. In this rare time, Jupiter is reflecting the sun’s light as brightly as possible because its orbit is as close to the earth as it ever travels.[1] As I observed Jupiter in the night sky, I had two thoughts.
First, the appearance of this ‘star’ that I had never seen before made me think of the new star that heralded the birth of the Savior over 2000 years ago. What might it have been like to live then, to see that new light in the heavens, and learn about the birth of the long-awaited Messiah and the light He would bring to the world?
The scriptures teach about the light that begins to fill our lives as we accept the gospel and receive the blessings of being bound to the Lord through baptism. The principles of the gospel shine in our lives as we follow the Savior’s example. In the temple, we make additional covenants that help strengthen our relationship with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and give us access to their power in our lives. Each week when we renew our covenants by partaking of the sacrament, we express our willingness to keep His commandments, and the Lord promises to give us access the Holy Ghost as our constant companion.
The apostle John said, “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.”[2] As we seek to make and keep covenants with the Lord, we are filled with this light. How can we increase His light in our lives?
“In whatever ways seem natural and normal to you, share with people that they have a loving Heavenly Father who loves them, share why Jesus Christ and His Church are important to you. Invite them to come and see.”
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
The new For the Strength of Youth[3] pamphlet invites us to make good choices that will improve our ability to feel the Spirit and help our personal light grow brighter and brighter each day. It offers suggestions like:
1. Make time for the Lord every day to learn of Him and remember Him by studying the scriptures and praying to our Heavenly Father.
2. Strive to live what we learn.
3. Seek that which uplifts, inspires, and invites the Spirit.
4. Use social media to uplift by focusing on light, faith, and truth.
5. Seek wholesome experiences and real and lasting relationships.
Second, as I continued to think about the new star and its light, it made me think of the scripture found in Matthew 5:14-16:
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. 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. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Each of us can reflect the Savior’s light in our lives. Joseph Fielding Smith said, “The gospel is a light breaking forth in darkness, and every person who receives the light of the gospel becomes a light and a guide to all…”[4]
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, taught us to put our light “on a candlestick.” He invited us to “fill our hearts with love for others. Try to see everyone around us as a child of God. Laugh with them. Rejoice with them. Weep with them. Respect them. Heal, lift, and strengthen them.”
“In whatever ways seem natural and normal to you, share with people that they have a loving Heavenly Father who loves them, share why Jesus Christ and His Church are important to you. Invite them to come and see.”[5]
As we are filled with the light of Christ, we have more desire to love others the way that He loves them. We find strength in remembering to “judge not that ye be not judged.”[6] His light helps us refrain from criticism, gossip, or faultfinding, and instead strive to be unified in our love of God and of our fellow man. As we humbly forgive, have compassion and patience for those around us, it brings more of His light to us and to others.
As we fill our lives with light in these ways, we can be the Lord’s light. We can reflect His light and shine as brightly as Jupiter in our sky or the new star of Bethlehem—which leads all those who would follow it—to Him.
[1] earthsky.org
[2] John 8:12.
[3] churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/for-the-strength-of-youth
[4] Joseph Fielding Smith, in Conference Report, British Area General Conference 1971, 176.
[5] Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Missionary Work: Sharing What Is in Your Heart,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 15.
[6] See Matthew 7:1.