Let Your Light So Shine — D&C 124 — Life Experienced with Terri Anne Flint

Early winter mornings find me at my desk, lighting my favorite candle, and gazing out my window at a single pine tree, now covered with sparkling Christmas lights. The addition of light inside and out of my home may be one of my most favorite and essential winter traditions, giving me warmth, hope, and the delight of twinkle.

As the Saints built their homes in Nauvoo, a new tradition emerged–putting candles in the windows. While there may not be a single documented moment marking the beginning of candle lighting in Nauvoo, the tradition became an invitation to all who passed by that the door was open, visitors were welcome, fulfilling God’s counsel to build good homes, “…worthy of all acceptance, that the weary traveler may find health and safety while he shall contemplate the word of the Lord” (D&C 124:23).

In this season of darkness, we need more window lights welcoming the weary traveler to come and receive a little kindness, acceptance, and service. It’s a good time to look up and look out to see everyday opportunities to give warmth, hope, and the delight of twinkle.

“When anyone’s shadow darkens the door of a chapel, they ought to feel immediately embraced and loved and lifted and inspired … to go and be better because they know the Lord loves them and because they have friends in their faith.” –Carol F. McConkie, former First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency
“In the parable of the good Samaritan, Jesus invites us to come to each other and to Him in His inn—His Church. …The spirit of ‘room in the inn’ includes ‘no one sits alone.’ When you come to church, if you see someone alone, will you please say hello and sit with him or her?” –Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Let Your Light So Shine — D&C 124