(Written 8/27/17 - shortly after a full solar eclipse was visible from our location)

Millions of people traveled hundreds of miles to witness perhaps a once in a lifetime experience – the 2017 Solar Eclipse! We traveled 100 miles to Newport, Oregon to witness one of nature’s amazing sites. It took planning and forethought to position ourselves in the right place at the right time. The solar eclipse was predicted to start at 9:05 A.M., so we were in place at that time. It took the right equipment to safely view the astronomical attraction. We pre-purchased the NASA/ISO approved protective eye wear to stare observantly at the ocular occurrence. It took patience and endurance to wait for the moon to align itself perfectly in the path of the sun’s light rays to display the total solar eclipse. It took faith to trust that the weather would comply with our viewing location. The fog did give us quite the scare during the last fifteen minutes before totality. Then, at exactly 10:17 A.M. our anticipation broke into complete awe and shouts of joy. Darkness covered the land, the temperature dropped, and the only source of light was a single perfect ring expressing itself around the edge of the interrupting moon. After two minutes of this phenomenal presentation, the moon continued its path across the sky causing the sun’s light to burst forth like a diamond exploding from the upper right side of the solar ring. It was a sight to behold. It was a blessing to share the moment with my family. It is a memory captured forever in our hearts, minds, and on Facebook.
My question though is, now what? What difference does the solar eclipse make on our lives? Are we changed? Are we transformed?

I pray that the world would reflect on the light of Christ which came into the world, breaking through the darkness. He is the “light that shined in the darkness, but the darkness did not understand it.” (Jn. 1:5) Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness.” (Jn. 8:12) Jesus fills his church with his light saying, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matt. 5:14) John goes on to say, “God is light” and “If we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus, his Son purifies us from all sin.” (1 Jn. 1:5, 7) Take full view of the son of God, who conquered death, defeated sin, and is reigning eternally. He is the king forever. He can become your light if you will believe and become his disciple. Many millions more will come to know God because of how we shine his light into the world.
The light of Jesus makes all the difference.

Bryan Johnston - nbcoc@hotmail.com