Sabbath Devotional :: The Light of the World

When I was a little girl in Chicago, we used to put our tree up about two weeks before Christmas. These days, my neighbors have their lights and wreaths up by mid-November. Do you ever wonder why the Christmas season, with all its trappings, has been starting earlier and earlier?

I believe we all want to be surrounded by the Christmas feeling of love and warmth that the world needs so desperately. In this tech-savvy world, we are inundated with instant information about negative things — like the lives affected or lost by negligence or unkind actions. On social media, some take their anger out on people they don’t know, simply because they differ in opinions. Many of us feel stretched in different directions as we try to live the “dream.”

As a person who likes to break things down to practical action, I wonder what we can do about this negativity.

I believe the answer is to center our lives on Christ. I teach early morning seminary, and, as instructors, we are trained to remind our students of this. Think about what it means: Do our lives reflect His?

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus, speaking to His followers, or members of the church, teaches of the actions of a righteous people. Similarly, the Church’s Light the World program reminds us that as followers of Christ, we can keep Him in our lives every day. Every year, I look forward to the little video (and the music) that accompanies the introduction. “Twenty-five ways in twenty-five days” was one campaign motto. While reaching out and serving those with all types of needs, we can provide an infusion of love and warmth.

My husband I recently completed a mission. It was an amazing experience to brainstorm with the young missionaries ways to serve others. As we let our light shine, we felt peace and a sense of accomplishment. As it says in Matthew 5:14-16 : “Ye are the light of the world. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.”

As His children, we can light the world. Our good works glorify Him, and in return, He provides the physical and spiritual strength we so desperately need in hard times as well as good times.

We cannot measure how a seemingly small act can light up a sad day. Just giving of our talents, our outstretched hands, our testimony of the true source of light, can lift and help another. It need not be magnificent, just heartfelt.

This Christmas season, brainstorm with your family or others. Take the opportunity to exude warmth, a kind smile. Be part of this year’s Light the World campaign or other worthwhile efforts. The Holy Ghost will help you along your path.

Funny — as I finished writing this, I saw something Mr. Rogers said: ”Remember three things: Be kind, be kind, be kind.” Can we do that?