Sometimes we are asked the question. Sometimes we are the ones asking the question.
“How do you know it’s true?”
I’ve heard that question from friends, classmates, co-workers, strangers and family members. The answer to finding truth isn’t exclusive to a church or religion. Though I believe it leads in that direction.
This week I read a scripture that reinforces why I feel that way. Moroni 7:16 serves as a great reminder that every one of Heavenly Father’s children is a recipient of the Spirit of Christ to guide their decisions.
“The Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; ... for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.”
That part at the beginning of this verse, “the Spirit of Christ is given to every man,” tells me God gives everyone a chance to look inside and feel what the Spirit of Christ is guiding them to do or know or understand. The Spirit of Christ can’t be replicated by philosophers, astrologers, podcasters, news reporters, politicians, celebrities, athletes, search engines, artificial intelligence or anything else in this world.
On Sunday, Dec. 8, at the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional, President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency of the Church, said “the warmth and light of Christmas is the Light of Christ.”
In Gospel Library — either on the Church’s website or in the app by the same name — the Light of Christ is described as “the divine energy, power or influence that proceeds from God through Christ and gives life and light to all things.”
During this time of year when we collectively and individually undertake efforts to light the world, I am comforted by President Oaks’ teaching that the feeling we share of love and fellowship around Christmas is more than a seasonal release of endorphins at the sound of beautiful music or at the sight of family and friends gathering. Those good Christmas feelings are a manifestation of the Light of Christ.
As that feeling grows, individuals are more prone to serve each other during the Christmas season. Like light entering a dark space, the Light of Christ can illuminate our surroundings and help us see others in need of something we can provide. The brighter the light, the more we can see and the more unified we can be in working together to bless the lives of more of Heavenly Father’s children.
Imagine if every donation made at a Giving Machine resulted in a little bit of the Light of Christ being shared directly with someone whose light had become clouded. The water bottle, the book, the chicken, the glasses, the counseling, the meal — imagine each gift coming with a boost to the recipient’s inner Light of Christ dimmer dial.
While the Church has helped place Giving Machines in more locations this year than ever, donating in one of 107 cities still leaves many opportunities in thousands of other cities to serve or contribute in other ways.
“The spirit of Christmas giving should extend beyond our circle of family and friends,” President Oaks said, noting that many individuals serve at hospitals, in nursing homes, with those who are alone, and in other situations.
“God bless these helping hands. We should all support them,” he said. “Those who serve lovingly and unselfishly are true servants of the Prince of Peace.”
So when I answer the question of how I know the gospel of Jesus Christ is true or how I know that Heavenly Father exists or how I know when I have a feeling that comes from the Holy Ghost, I look around and see the examples of those who are acting out of what they may feel is only the goodness of their hearts or because it gives them a good feeling. I know that those actions come because the Light of Christ that is in us all compels us to serve and love and bless like He would if He were physically here right now.
And serving each other is one way to demonstrate love both for our fellow man and for the God who gave us life.
“As we do so — as the giving spirit of Christmas permeates our thoughts and our actions — we will each be making our own contribution to the eternal goal of ‘peace on earth, good will toward men.’ It is time for us all to do so, for every day we are one day closer to the coming of the Lord,” President Oaks said.
— Jon Ryan Jensen is editor of the Church News.
