The Lord Is my light

This Christmas season has been wonderful as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It has also been different, with less travel to distant family. My own family has had a different Christmas season as we recover from Covid-19. I hope that you have found solace, peace and gratitude as you have reflected on the infinite gift of God’s own Son to atone for the sins of the world, overcome death through resurrection, and show us a more excellent way to live.

We live in interesting times. For Alaskans, we have had a major earthquake, record-breaking heat, forest fires, and now a global pandemic within a year and a half.

We wonder to ourselves, “What’s happening?” We alter travel plans, stock up on basic items, and check on our neighbors and friends. And we use lots of soap and hand sanitizer.

In the parable of the fig tree, Jesus taught a simple and timely lesson for our day. He instructs us to watch for His Second Coming by being aware of the fulfillment of His prophecies. When the fig tree’s branch is “yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. But the day and hour no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Matthew 24:32-33,36 KJV).

Jesus’ disciples asked, “What shall be the sign of thy coming, and the end of the world?” Consider a few of the signs Jesus taught in the Holy Bible that will precede his Second Coming, from Matthew 24 and Luke 21: wars and rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, people will “betray” and “hate” one another, and some people will have no love. Missionary work will cover the earth, and some people will have great fear.

Consider also the promise of the coming of Jesus Christ:

“For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet and they shall gather together the elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other” (Matthew 24:30,31).

Just as we have recently prepared to “hunker down” with food and supplies, we must also prepare our hearts and hands for the return of Jesus Christ in glory. “Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (Matthew 24:40-42).

In Matthew 25, Jesus teaches a series of parables to help us know how to be ready for his return. In the parable of the ten virgins, Jesus teaches that we must prepare ourselves spiritually to meet Him—no one can loan us that preparation. In the parable of the talents, He teaches that we should not waste our lives, but develop our faith, character and gifts. In the parable of the sheep and the goats, we learn that He will judge the world—and each of us—according to our actions. Did we show our love for God and our brother by offering kindness and assistance where we saw the need? Did we even see the need?

As the wind buffets my house today, and as I continue to “hunker down,” I do not fear, but I rejoice. I see the young leaves on the fig tree, so to speak, and I look forward to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, whenever that will be.

“The Lord is my light, my all and in all. There is in his sight no darkness at all. He is my Redeemer, my Savior, and King. With Saints and with angels his praises I’ll sing” (Nicholson).

My you find hope and peace this Christmas season in the redemption and never-failing love of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Beth Wright loves the Mat Su Valley, the snow, the sunrise, and the wonderful people here. She believes in Jesus Christ and loves being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.