Bringing Light

Bringing Light
By Domenico Beccafumi

“And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them:
and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not’”
Luke 2:9-10

Send out your light and your truth;
let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill
and to your dwelling!
Psalms 43:3

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We may not always see them, yet God’s angels are near, ministering to His children and bringing light into our world. They come as messengers of God’s glory. Illuminating the darkness of our doubts and fears. Offering understanding, peace, and comfort. Guiding us toward truth. Their presence is evidence of God’s enduring love for His children. As Thomas Aquinas taught, “God is humanity’s universal teacher and guardian, but His teaching to humanity is mediated by angels.”

Joseph Smith revealed that these heavenly beings are “enveloped in flaming fire, they are not far from us and know and understand our thoughts and feelings.” Even when we feel alone or overwhelmed, the Lord surrounds us with these ministering spirits, ready to protect, guide and console. The light they transmit is not merely symbolic; it is the illumination of our hearts, revealing God’s hand in the details of our lives. Rev. Billy Graham remind us, “Believers, look up – take courage. The angels are nearer than you think.”

As Psalm 91 promises, angels are sent to actively bless all of God’s children: “He will give His angels charge over you, to protect you in all your ways. On their hands they shall lift you up.” Jeffrey R. Holland has taught, “There are angels everywhere at work in the Kingdom.” Heber C. Kimball further explained that their divine ministry is a personal one – they “are our associates, they are with us and around about us, and watch over us, and take care of us, and lead us, and guide us, and administer to our needs.” The Lord Himself has promised, “I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, … my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up” (D&C 84:88).

Through their presence, we receive God’s love made tangible—a light that nurtures hope, clarity, and peace. Nearly 900 years ago, St. Hildegard of Bingen taught that “the choirs of angels radiate light from the divinity,” a sentiment echoed in the words of Ronald A. Rasband: “Angels bring light. God’s light.” As with the shepherds at the Savior’s birth, God’s glorious light and message may seem to come to us suddenly, when we least expect it, but the multitude of the heavenly host is always there. The light they bring is the ‘good news’ of the gospel. As Rev. Charles Spurgeon declared, “There is wondrous light in the gospel. It sets forth to us the glory of a living and triumphant Savior, who having put His hands to the work will not fail nor be discouraged till all the purposes of infinite love shall be achieved.”

In our own lives, we may feel a gentle nudge, quiet reassurance, or sudden insight that guides a decision. These are the ways God blesses His children, sending His angels to transmit light in forms we most need—understanding, peace, and comfort. We can be assured that, as President Russell M. Nelson has promised, “Remember, God’s holy angels are ever on call to help us.”

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