This is the season of lights. The joy, the hope, and the sacred reverence we feel at this time of year all find their own symbolic expression in holiday lights. Storefronts, town squares, and homes are decorated with strings of colorful lights that brighten the celebration and bring cheer to passersby. Bright lights dangle on evergreens, many topped with a star in remembrance of the light that marked the first Christmas morning. Menorahs, with their many shining candles, remind us of the divine light of godly wisdom. A single candle burning in an otherwise unlit window tells a story of hope and determination to overcome darkness.
Perhaps most beautiful of all is the light that shines from the eyes of a person who is filled with love—a light kindled most often by acts of kindness and generosity. One man put it this way: “On Christmas morning, I have always appreciated the joy of giving or receiving a heartfelt gift. Family and friends can be so thoughtful. But the thing I love the most is seeing how a child’s face lights up at the sight of some longed-for gift or how the light of love brightens the eyes of someone who knows they have been remembered at this special time of year. It doesn’t matter very much what material things may be involved. What I really love is how people’s lives are brightened.”
It’s fitting, then, that we would celebrate Christmas with lights, for we are commemorating the birth of Him who is called the Light of the World. His life, His ministry sparked a flame in hearts and minds that still burns strong today. He brought hope that darkness can give way to the light and love of God.
The light of dawn brings with it the end of night and the prospect of a new day. A lighthouse on the edge of the sea warns of unseen dangers and guides the sailor safely home. Even a small light in a dark room calms the fears of a child. So during this season of glistening decorations and shimmering flames, let’s remember the first command of our loving Creator: “Let there be light.”
-Lloyd D. Newell
Genesis 1:3.
Dec. 6, 2015
Broadcast Number 4,499
Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Orchestra at Temple Square
The Light of Christmas
Conductors
Mack Wilberg
Ryan Murphy
Organist
Richard Elliott
Host
Lloyd Newell
Christmas Bells Are Ringing
Robert P. Manookin
The First Noel
English carol; arr. Mack Wilberg
Glory to God, from Messiah
George Frideric Handel
Away in a Manger
William J. Kirkpatrick
Gesù Bambino
Pietro Yon
Fum, Fum, Fum!
Catalonian carol; arr. Mack Wilberg
Angels’ Carol
John Rutter
Ding Dong! Merrily on High
French carol; arr. Mack Wilberg