As Halloween approaches, instead of haunted houses and spooky forests, my thoughts are turned to the Holy Ghost. I like to teach my children a little family home evening lesson centered around the Comforter as this time of year approaches. With that in mind I thought I would share some of my thoughts about the Holy Ghost and birth.
In the Spanish language when a woman gives birth it is said she will “dar la luz,” which literally translated means, “to give light.” I love this beautiful analogy! A newborn baby comes from a dark womb into the “light” of this world. But I also think there is a little more to this idea of giving light.
In John 9:5, Christ proclaims “I am the light of the world.” In Doctrine and Covenants 11:28, he expands on this idea, “Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the life and light of the world.” Life and light. As a baby is conceived, carried, and born they are granted life and light.
John 1:9 states that Christ is the “true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” Every person that is born into this world is granted the light of Christ. This is separate from the gift of the Holy Ghost which every person must consciously accept after baptism. The light of Christ is given to every man born into this world and is “related to man’s conscience and tells him right from wrong. . . it’s influence is preliminary to and preparatory to one’s receiving the Holy Ghost” (Bible Dictionary 725). It is the light of Christ that can lead us to eventually accept the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Now, I do not propose to know exactly when the light of Christ is given to a person. Is it before birth or at birth? It seems from the scriptures that coming into this world is required and that women are the instrument through which Christ administers this light. We know that after baptism Christ administers the power of the Holy Ghost through his Priesthood bearers.
The Bible Dictionary describes the light of Christ as, “enlightenment, knowledge, and an uplifting, ennobling, persevering influence that comes upon mankind because of Jesus Christ.” How wonderful it is to be a vehicle for the such a beautiful gift.
I believe that a person can develop a stronger or weaker sense of the light of Christ as they live in this world and make choices. However, to allow ourselves to benefit from the cleansing power of the Holy Ghost and other spiritual gifts we are to accept the gift of the Holy Ghost through making the covenants of baptism. The Holy Ghost offers further light and knowledge on our pathway Home.
In this way, men and women both equally take part in giving light to their children. They each have different roles that give light and life that comes only from Christ.
*Just as a disclaimer, this is not official doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This is my own interpretation of certain doctrines as I have pondered them. Also, this idea is probably not unique to me. It seems familiar as if I have read it somewhere before.
I love that giving birth is named so beautifully in Spanish. As always, I love your insights, Robyn!
I love that – dar la luz I didn’t know that and it is beautiful.
I always love your insights Robyn. And that picture is precious.
Dar la luz… very cool. That state of being in the dark for so many months, and then it ithe mother that gives light. And then she endows with spiritual light and guidance thereafter.