Mormonism: Darkness and Light
The Book of Mormon contains many examples of darkness versus light. Of course, most of those examples represent spiritual darkness or spiritual light -- people choosing wickedness or righteousness. It's the same battle and choices people have within Mormonism and without Mormonism in today's world.
My favorite Book of Mormon story about darkness in contrast to light is when Jesus Christ was crucified in the East. The Book of Mormon records what happened on the ancient American continents during the time Christ was being crucified in the eastern hemisphere. A great storm came to the people with great whirlwinds (probably eventually tornadoes), then shaking of the earth to the point of breaking up the land. Cities fell into the ocean, were sunk into the cracking earth, or buried with earth or waters. Some cities caught fire and were destroyed in that way. Almost all cities were destroyed; the cities that survived were severely damaged. This destruction lasted for three hours, followed by a great darkness.
The Book of Mormon states that there was a vapor of darkness. It was so dark that no candle or fire could be lit; the stars and moon could not be seen. People were heard all over the lands howling and mourning the destruction of their families and lives. This darkness lasted three days in which no work or activity could be done.
Near the end of the three days of darkness, the voice of the Lord, Jesus Christ was heard. He declared the reason for all the destruction -- the refusal of the people to repent. He told the people how He caused each great city to be destroyed -- the most wicked places being burned with fire --there is another example of darkness (sin) being overcome by light (fire).
Then Christ tells the people who are alive that they are the more righteous people, yet still asks them to return unto Him and repent of their sins... to be converted, so that Christ can heal them and so they can have eternal life.
It is at this point that Jesus Christ identifies Himself (Jesus Christ, the Son of God), who created all things. He states that He is the light and life of the world and repeats His message of the people coming unto Him in repentance and humility. When Christ finished speaking, there was silence for many hours, though still in complete darkness. Christ's voice comes to the people again, telling them He has often asked them to come to Him, as a hen gathers her chicks, but they refused. Then, the people started howling because of the death of their family and friends.
Shortly after this, the morning dawned (after three days) and the earth and rocks of the earth stopped trembling and breaking apart; all the tumultuous noises ended. The people stopped mourning and felt joy; they were thankful to Jesus Christ for being saved.
I try to imagine living for any period of time with no light at all -- complete darkness; I've experienced this more spiritually than literally. No matter how dark (literally and figuratively) life has gotten, I am grateful to have access to sources of light... candles, electric lights and the scriptures!
Patterns of Light: the Light of Christ
Patterns of Light: Discerning Light
I'm grateful for the Light of Jesus Christ in my life; I partake of this light every time I read my Book of Mormon and Holy Bible... it gives me the assurance I need in my day-to-day life as well as in challenges.
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