Carry the Light
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O star bright, the world is pining
For you to turn night into the day.
O star bright in heaven shining,
Come, glow with in me on Christmas Day!
The chorus of the brand new-to-us hymn “Star Bright” (hymn #1204) compares the glow we desire to feel this time of year to “his star in the east.” We each yearn to carry this same light within us, possibly being the source of the light that defeats the darkness of the night. The image of night turning to daylight is one of hope and encouragement in a dark, fallen world. Especially when we can expect the day to be turned to night before the opposite truly occurs!
Christmas celebrators have long been accused of the dark practice of focusing more on the material than the spiritual when considering the birth of Christ. Images of holiday decorations for sale in July and people trampling others at Black Friday Walmart sales come to mind. Fortunately, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we understand that this is a season of giving true gifts rather than material gifts, of focusing on others rather than on ourselves, and of acting as Christ would act as he gave His gifts.
The First Presidency during its 2017 Christmas devotional prayed that “as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this Christmas season, our hope is that the light and testimony of the Savior’s divine mission as the Redeemer of all mankind will come into our hearts and be reflected in our thoughts, our words, and our actions.” More of that light we’ve been talking about…
So, how can we better focus on the Savior’s divine mission as we celebrate Christmas this year? In this issue, we provide ideas for family activities, opportunities to give, events to attend, and the Spirit to feel, wrapped around this very idea.
We live in a world that needs (and wants, if not secretly) the Light of Christ. Christmas is the best time of year for each of us to enjoy and radiate that light. We are thankful for The Savior’s example which gives us the ability to do so. Because that’s how we can glow like the star in the east, right?
I consider this magazine to be a light in the world. However, without you, we would cease to exist. No light. (If no one is in the room when the light is on, is there really any light?) I wish you a magical and joyful holiday and Christmas season, and a Happy New Year. We look forward to being with you in 2025 and anticipate much excitement surrounding our star bright lifestyle!
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