[On August 21st] a total solar eclipse was visible in totality within a band across the entire contiguous United States. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between Earth and the Sun, thereby totally or partly obscuring the image of the sun for a viewer on Earth. The last time a total solar eclipse was visible across the entire contiguous United States was on June 8, 1918. Among others, the towns of Newport, Salem, and Madras Oregon will be flooded with eclipse enthusiasts. The eclipse was estimated to begin at 9:05 A.M. PST with the totality occurring at 10:17 A.M. PST. The totality itself will only last about two minutes. We had to be warned against looking directly at the sun while the eclipse is setting into and releasing from its totality. There was a high potential for extreme and even permanent damage to the eye from looking directly into the sun for that extended period of time. NASA and the American Astronomical Society urge solar gazers to only use glasses with the safety standard number “ISO 12312-2” printed and guaranteed on them. Be safe and enjoy this once in a lifetime experience.

      Two-thousand years ago there was a day of darkness that covered the whole land for about three hours. Luke records, “It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.” The death of Jesus brought a pause to the light. Everything stopped and everyone stared intently at the cross as Jesus died.

    Jesus was laid into a tomb and there remained in the darkness for three days. The disciples waited patiently in a closed room, wondering if this Jesus whom they left everything to follow, was truly the Christ, the Son of God. While they waited, two women went to the tomb only to find that the eclipse had passed. The stone was rolled away and they stood looking intently, with eyes wide open into the light of the empty tomb. This once in a lifetime experience was not to be missed or taken lightly. Jesus the Lord is risen. He has conquered sin and death. The darkness did not overcome him. He is the light of the world. The whole world must stop and consider the Lord. We must all consider the empty tomb. This decision is not to be taken lightly. Be warned because eternity weighs on how you respond to the sight of the passing eclipse and the empty tomb. Is Jesus your Lord? I pray you will choose permanent life.  --Bryan

Editor's Note: Remember also that eye damage from the sun (like the result of sin against God) may not show up until some time later...