Moroni, who was left to finish his father’s record alone, was grateful for the people who would share his words with the world:
Blessed be he that shall bring this thing to light; for it shall be brought out of darkness unto light, according to the word of God; yea, it shall be brought out of the earth, and it shall shine forth out of darkness, and come unto the knowledge of the people; and it shall be done by the power of God.
Mormon 8:16
Moroni certainly knew a thing or two about darkness. His people had been destroyed. Their enemies were hunting down the survivors and fighting against one another. “The whole face of this land is one continual round of murder and bloodshed; and no one knoweth the end of the war.” Furthermore, “there are none that do know the true God” (Mormon 8:8, 10). What a dismal time to live!
Since Moroni’s life was continually in danger, he must have been skilled at staying hidden. Darkness was his friend, and daylight was always risky. No wonder he looked forward to a time when his words could be shared freely and without fear.
Taken literally, Moroni’s words are a prophecy of Joseph Smith, who unearthed the sacred record, translated it into English, and published it. But it could also be read as an expression of gratitude for everyone who would share the Book of Mormon, allowing Moroni to shine his light out of the darkness into a future world.
When we are in darkness, it is still possible for us to be a light. During the COVID-19 pandemic, President Russell M. Nelson said:
The increasing darkness that accompanies tribulation makes the light of Jesus Christ shine ever brighter. Just think of the good each of us can do during this time of global upheaval.
“Hear Him,” General Conference, April 2020
Today, I will let my light shine out of darkness. I will remember that my own challenges and constraints do not prevent me from uplifting and inspiring other people and that I may bring them closer to God even as I pass through difficult experiences.
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