Jesus IS the Light

by Barbara Chadwick



We were sitting in the forward lounge of the Le Conte ferry on our way to Tenakee Springs. Being the second week in December in Alaska it was naturally dark at six A.M. Clouds covered the sky making it seem darker. World news was dismal - Crime, War, Congress seemingly working against the people, every kind of Vice and Lawlessness, and the economy. People around us were sleeping - oblivious to the chaos of the world.

This was my first time to go to Tenakee. I was told there was a lot of alcoholism and depression there. They have some Mormons and a Catholic chapel. The village has about forty-five people in winter and fifty-two dogs! Our church in Juneau provides an evangelical worship service once a month so this was our time.

Tenakee has a hot springs where the people bathe. There are hours for women and hours for men. One woman told me that you develop the Tenakee Stare - that is you look at eyes, never lower your eyes!

A couple of hours later after daybreak - still sitting in the darkened lounge looking out over the ocean - my mind was full of heavy things. Suddenly in the distance the sun broke through the clouds and a shaft of light came straight down. The reflection of the light on the water was brilliant!

I was reminded of the scripture in Isaiah "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of darkness, a light has dawned." Isaiah 9:2

That scripture is quoted in Matthew 4:16 "The people who live in darkness have seen a great light, and for those living in the shadowland of death, light has dawned. "

God looked down from heaven and knew we needed a Savior. He placed His only Son in a manger. A bright star and angels announced His arrival. Shepherds and Wise Men worshipped Him and He became the Light of the world.

Our Light.

Jesus says in John 8:12, "I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the Light of Life."

May the Light of Life be reflected in our words, our actions and our faces this week.