The Light of Christ

Ever since I came up here to BYU-I, I have heard one phrase used A LOT: "The Light of Christ". At first I didn't think much of it, but then, as I heard it used more and more, I began to wonder, "What exactly is the Light of Christ?". My roommates especially use this phrase a lot when describing people, mostly in context of their inner goodness and purity. However, I think it goes beyond that. 

Christ is more than just "goodness". I mean, obviously he is the epitome of goodness, so saying you have "the Light of Christ" would be an apt description of saying you are good and pure. However, I think there is more to it, perhaps even more than we can comprehend.

If you go to D&C 88, it actually talks about what the Light of Christ is:

"7 Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made.

...

11 And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings;

12 Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space—

13 The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things." (Emphasis added)

So, I'd say that's a little more than just goodness and purity. I'm not sure I even fully understand it. My BOM teacher said he didn't completely comprehend its meaning. I like to think that because Christ is the creator of all things, his presence resides in all things... How exactly that works, I don't know.

It's like the Holy Ghost, I suppose. D&C 88 talks about that too in verse 3:

"Wherefore, I now send upon you another Comforter, even upon you my friends, that it may abide in your hearts, even the Holy Spirit of promise; which other Comforter is the same that I promised unto my disciples, as is recorded in the testimony of John."

The Light of Christ is "another Comforter" and it "abide(s) in our hearts". While the Holy Ghost is a constant companion, the Light of Christ seems to be something that comes and goes; something that shines brighter at different times. For this reason, I'd say, is why people label it as a conscience or goodness and purity. However, as I said above, it is more than that. Much more. I believe that every living person has it. While not everybody has the companionship of the Holy Ghost, everybody has the Light of Christ; because it is "in all things" and "giveth life".