Take His name upon you—and shine on

As with most things in 2020, COVID-19 has changed this Christmas season. I miss gathering with friends and family to celebrate, yes, but at this moment, my heart is missing the annual Mat-Su Messiah performance. I feel the absence of the continual soundtrack that practicing throughout November and December brings. Handel’s rendering of Isaiah’s words makes the very best sort of earworm, a song that repeats in your head and brings God’s word into your heart.

In some of our broadcasted Sunday services, the speakers focused on the different names of Jesus Christ. These names repeat and reverberate through Handel’s chorus of For Unto Us a Child is Born: “And his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

Alternately Christ is called the King of Glory, the Lamb of God, the Lord of Hosts, the Word, the Lord God Omnipotent, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Savior, and Redeemer. He is the Father and the Beloved Son, the Firstborn, and Only Begotten of the Father. He is our Older Brother, Friend, and Advocate. Jesus Christ is the Light and the Life of the world, the Spirit of Truth, the Way, the Creator.

Which of all these names resonates the most with you?

Crystal Roberts is involved in 4-H and cares for a small farm on the hillside above the Knik River. She spoke in church last month and shared some insights from raising sheep. During lambing season, she checks on her ewes every couple of hours. She delights in the baby lambs and the love and care of their mothers.

Her favorite names for Christ include the Lamb of God and the Shepherd. He is pure and lovely, an unblemished sacrifice for sin: the end and purpose of the Law of Moses and its requisite offerings. Jesus is also our shepherd. He knows his sheep and seeks those of us who stray from the flock (see John 10:14-16, Luke 15: 4-7).

Jesus commands his followers to “take my name upon you” (Acts 4:10-12, 3 Nephi 27:5). This name-taking begins with our first experiments in faith and strengthens as we apply that faith to access divine strength, forgiveness, and healing through Jesus Christ. We take his name upon us through the ordinances of baptism and weekly participation in the sacrament. On a broader level, we share his name as Christians (Acts 11:26).

As I have reflected on the many names and titles of Jesus Christ, I wondered, can we take those other names upon us? What might that mean for me, and how could it influence my life for good? Some of Christ’s titles belong to him alone. But we can all act as friends, advocates, and exemplars as we follow him.

I love reading about Christ as the light of the world because that light is so accessible to us. He embodies the divine spark of creation and the light of truth. Handel quotes Isaiah, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” Jesus is our light. He has come. But his light is inside each of us and glows and glorifies God as we shine. Isaiah continues, “For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isaiah 60:1-3).

It is our rising and shining that brings joy and hope and truth in darkness. Christ is the light that shines from every kind act, pure desire, and stumbling step along his path. He says, “Ye are the light of the world…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14,16).

My favorite verses on light are in Doctrine and Covenants 93:1-40, which begins, “I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (v.2). His light is in all of us. I recognize it in every faith community, as my friends and neighbors seek to serve and lift and help each other. I see that light in the eyes of my children. I feel the light resonating deep within those struggling to find purpose, seeking a better path. And I know the light is there, in every person whose faith has dimmed or who feels lost, defeated, or hopeless.

He is the light that resonates in our souls when we hear truth—because all truth and light emanate from him. Christ lights us all and invites us to shine into darkness. Through our efforts to increase and share our light, we can “lift up the hands that hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees” (Hebrews 12:12).

If you feel the effects of darkness—whether it’s from the short winter days, the press of world events, or a personal dimming—seek light. It will heal your soul and radiate from you. Listen to The Messiah, read truth. Shine on.

Amity Condie has lived in Palmer since 2004. She loves reading, skiing, and basking in light. She is currently enrolled in an online Master of Social Work Trauma Certificate program and is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.