Mirror the Master

Candles--a part of Christmas traditions throughout the world. In Ireland, a lighted candle is placed in the window as an invitation to Mary and Joseph as they look for shelter. Martin Luther placed candles on the tree "to represent the beauty and glory of the stars above Bethlehem." Advent wreaths include a single white candle representing Christ as the "light of the world". Perhaps this year, candles may be a metaphor to help us learn how to faithfully mirror the life and teachings of our Savior.

Candles are a source of light. Christ is our source of light and truth. John 8:12 “…I am the light of the world…” Psalms 27:1 "The Lord is my light.." Isaiah 60:19 " for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light.." 1 Nephi 17:13 "I will also be your light in the wilderness..." 3 Nephi 9:18 "I am the light and life of the world." We make the decision from where to obtain light every day. We mirror the Master when we choose His Light to guide and direct our thoughts, actions, words and deeds.

Candles are made by adding one layer of wax at a time. As I attended the temple, I was reminded of how we add to our testimony, faith, desire, etc. We are taught in the temple that Jesus is thoroughly, completely and entirely obedient to our Heavenly Father.

In 2 Nephi 31:7, we are taught that he showed us and witnessed to the Father that he would be obedient in keeping his commandments. His entire life was dedicated to doing the will of the Father, even unto death, Matthew 26:39, “let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

We move from being simply a wick to a large candle by our obedience. Every time we obey any commandment, we add another layer of wax and our capacity to attract more wax increases.

We are immediately blessed for our obedience. King Benjamin teaches, "he doth require that ye should do as he hath commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately bless you; and therefore he hath paid you." (Mosiah 2:24) What are a few blessings for being obedient?
· D&C 59:3 Good things of the earth
· D&C 64:34 Eat good of the land of Zion
· D&C 89:18 Receive health
· D&C 91:1 See the Lord’s face
· D&C 130:19 Knowledge and intelligence
· D&C 130:21 Specific blessings to commandments
· D&C 138:4 Salvation
· Moses 5:1 Eternal Life

Obedience is a habit and a routine and is the key to happiness. "I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness." (Mosiah 2:41)

You each deserve such happiness and the pure joy that comes from living the gospel completely. Several years ago, I witnessed that joy and its opposite sorrow as two former students delivered babies. One married in the temple a darling young man who shared her goals and desires. The other was not married and the boyfriend broke off the relationship soon after he learned of the pregnancy. What a stark contrast of emotions, challenges and hopes as those babies were born.

Candles give light and direction. "Behold I am the light; I have set an example for you." (3 Nephi 18:16) We mirror the Master when we burn brightly and “giveth light to all that are in the house, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16) The Mutual theme for 2009 is "Be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12) Let's join the Young Men and Women in this quest and mirror the Savior's example.

As we celebrate the Savior's birth this season, may we allow "Christ [to] give thee light" (Ephesians 5:14), add another layer of wax as we keep His commandments more earnestly, and share His gift of happiness and eternal life with others as we mirror His life.