Today's Spiritual Message: Peace in this World

Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world.
Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do. 

Around Christmas, this past year, my wife and I had the distinct pleasure of visiting the Harry Potter theme park in Orlando, Florida.

Among other things, what we loved most about the HP park (and all of Universal Studios) was the "Dragon Challenge" roller coaster ride.

And, climbing up the ride's drop off, I discovered what I enjoyed most about the whole experience.

It was after dusk and so the area was quite dark.  The Dragon Challenge ride was situated at the outskirts of the whole Universal Studios park, when we were there, so we could see off into the surrounding distance.

As I gazed out at the dark horizon, I saw a shimmering light, in what I assumed was a familiar form.  As you may have guessed, it was the Orlando, Florida, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple.

I was overcome with appreciation, as I thought about the symbolism of that moment:  Here we were, climbing a roller coaster ride, where we would be screaming, whipped about, twisting and turning, and all in the dark of night.  Yet, off in the distance lay a bright and quiet reminder that we can have peace in this world, in spite of the many dangers, excitements, and turmoils we experience in this life.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.  John 14: 27.

Jesus Christ is the Light of the world, the Prince of Peace.  Each and every temple, shinning brightly in the dark of night, is a glowing reminder that we can each have peace in this world, as we turn to Jesus Christ and keep His commandments.

I have certainly felt this peace in my life, when I have endeavored to follow the Savior.   I close with an invitation from one of His prophets:

Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
I am the same that came unto mine own, and mine own received me not.
I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.

And now, I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written, that the grace of God the Father, and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of them, may be and abide in you forever. Amen.  Ether 12: 41.