Christmas Eve - Receiving His Light

As I studied this morning, a simple list of words stood out to me—each one describing Jesus Christ:

• Full of grace.
• Truth.
• The Spirit of truth.
• The Son of God.
• Light.

Together, these words form a powerful picture of who He is and why His presence matters so deeply in our lives.

Doctrine and Covenants 50:24 teaches that “that which is of God is light,” and that as we receive and continue in God, that light “groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.” Mormon adds in Moroni 7:16 that the Spirit of Christ is given to every person, that we may know good from evil.

The Spirit of Christ is light, and every one of us is born with it.

That truth causes me to pause and ask: How has this light guided me? How did I first learn to recognize it?

I am grateful to have grown up in a home where Jesus Christ was spoken of freely and His teachings were lived. I see now how rare and precious that gift is. Many people do not grow up with the gospel in their homes, yet they live lives filled with goodness, love, and moral clarity. That goodness is evidence of the Spirit of Christ already working within them—quietly present, waiting to be strengthened by the word of God.

This is why we send our sons and daughters across the world to preach the gospel. They are not bringing light where none exists; they are awakening light that is already there.

If I could have the wish of my heart, it would be that my children and grandchildren who are living in darkness would have the faith to pray for truth—especially truth about Jesus Christ. I believe the Lord has a master plan to bring all of His children back into His presence. Though that work feels overwhelming from a mortal perspective, I trust Him completely.

On this Christmas Eve, my thoughts turn to our family gatherings as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. These moments can feel tender when families are divided in belief. We love one another, yet often walk carefully around the subject of Jesus. That distance can be heartbreaking to a believing mother, but I trust that the Lord knows how—and when—healing will come.

I believe Jesus came to earth as a baby, bringing light into the world like nothing ever seen before. I love Him for His perfect example and for the grace He has shown me, especially during seasons when I wandered. Even now, through daily repentance and His mercy, my light continues to grow brighter as I journey home.
As I look at my family—especially the rising generation—I am reminded that light often grows quietly. It is found in goodness, in honest questions, in tender moments of reflection. I trust that the same Savior who brought light into the world at His birth continues to nurture that light in each of us, patiently and perfectly, until the day it shines fully and without fear.