He is the Light of the World

Transfer calls have come, and Elder du Plessis is leaving to be district leader somewhere else! I am so thankful for Elder du Plessis! The last two transfers have been great. We have progresses so much together, and I have worked well with him more so than any other companion. In our two transfers, we have had no conflicts whatsoever. He is focused on his mission, on those we are teaching, and and becoming better. He has a strong testimony of the gospel. I know he will make a great district leader! I'm going to miss him. 

So Nick this week has been super busy getting ready to go to Canada. We met him once and talked about eternal goals and blessings. He is understanding and believes what we teach very well. We'll keep meeting up until he leaves and seek to have as many spiritual experiences with him as possible, so when he goes to Canada he will be well prepared to meet missionaries there. 

I've talked about this a lot recently, but I have seen such an impact from this in my life that I can hardly say or think of something else. I want to talk about how important it is that we keep our lives focused on the Savior. I have not been a person of many words through most of my life. Any of those who know me can attest to that. But I have something to say about the Savior.

In a message for a member that Elder du Plessis and I planned, we shared about the Savior as the light of the world long before His birth, at His birth, throughout His life, at His death, and ever afterward. Mosiah 13:33 teaches that prophets from the beginning of the world prophesies of Him, bringing light to those long before any had seen him. His birth was marked by night without darkness and a new star in the sky (3 Nephi 1: 15,21). The entire earth saw this light that drew many, literally, to the Savior. His life was full of miracles, signs, and wonders (Mosiah 3:5-6). When the Savior died, so did, literally, the light of the world (3 Nephi 8:20-21). There was no light to be found for three days, the time before the Savior rose again. Again, after centuries of darkness, the Savior appeared in light and great glory to the prophet Joseph Smith, dispelling the darkness that held him hostage (JSH 1:15-17) and restoring the light and truth of His gospel, never again to be taken from the earth. What is this light? It is the knowledge of Jesus Christ, through whom we can change our lives, become better, and find a perfect foundation for eternity that brings everlasting joy. I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He did perform the Atonement. I know this because I have felt the enabling and changing power of it in my life and the Holy Ghost, which brings His fire and sanctification into our hearts and souls. This is real. Remember this and act accordingly at Christmas at every other moment of our lives, and we will come to know who He is and who God is, and we will come to know them. 

Have a great Christmas season, everyone!