Christ is Light

Light is an attribute of Deity and shines forth from him; in it is found its fulness and perfection. “. . . God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5); he is “the Father of lights.” (James 1:17).

Christ is the light of the world, and the gospel is his message of light and salvation to all men. “I have sent mine everlasting covenant into the world,” he said, speaking of the restoration of the gospel, “to be a light to the world, and to be a standard for my people, and for the Gentiles to seek to it.” (D&C 45:9) (1)

Christ is more than just the source of gospel light. According to John Taylor (and not surprising given the light and darkness that accompanied the Savior’s birth and crucifixion), Christ is also the source of literal light. “God is light and in him there is no darkness. He is the light of the sun and the power thereof by which it was made; he is also the light of the moon and the power by which it was made; he is the light of the stars and the power by which they were made. He says it [light] is the same light that enlightens the understanding of men. What, have we a mental light and a visual light, all proceeding from the same source? Yes, so says the scripture, and so says science when rightly comprehended.” (2)

All light, like its Source, has the same purpose: to illuminate, lead, and give life. Parley P. Pratt explained:

This is the true light, which in some measure illuminates all men. It is, in its less refined particles, the physical light which reflects from the sun, moon and stars, and other substances; and by reflection on the eye, makes visible the truths of the outward world.

It is, also, in its higher degrees, the intellectual light of our inward and spiritual organs, by which we reason, discern, judge, compare, comprehend and remember the subjects within our reach.

Its inspiration constitutes instinct in animal life, reason in man, vision in the Prophets, and is continually flowing from the Godhead throughout all His creatures. (3)