Good morning on this Saturday, June 23rd. Last Wednesday the summer solstice occurred. The summer solstice is the longest day of the year and the winter solstice is the shortest. When the earth's tilt on its axis is most inclined to the sun in each hemisphere, a solstice occurs.

In practical terms that means it doesn't get dark during summer solstice until about 9:00 p.m. compared to winter solstice when it gets dark about 4:30 p.m. Personally, I love the long days with the many hours of extra daylight each day. When I was a kid it meant much more time to ride my bike, do sports, or play outdoors before I had to come in. Light means so much in doing almost anything: reading, measuring, working, observing, especially seeing clearly, and recognition. About the only time I really appreciated the darkness was when I was working the mid-night shift and trying to sleep during the day - believe me I couldn't get my bedroom dark enough when I was trying to sleep after a hard night's work in the steel mill.

In Genesis 1:3-4 God created the light, and then proclaimed that the light was good. The New Testament proclaims "God is light an in Him is no darkness" (1 John 1:5), but compares, "Men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil" (John 3:19). Jesus said He is the light of the world (John 9:5) and taught that those who follow Him will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12). He later taught that He came to light the world that men might not have to live in darkness (John 12:46). Finally, God reminds us that in the Heavenly City, New Jerusalem, there will be no darkness nor need for candles or the sun, because God is the light (Revelation 22:5). All this makes it abundantly clear that even God prefers the light.

We as Christians are to be the light to enlighten others about Jesus Christ and the gospel. Each time we help someone "see the light" we bring them out of spiritual darkness into a light-filled life of purpose, joy and peace. What kind of light are we to those around us? How long has it been since you have invited someone to church, given a tract, or talked to them about Jesus Christ? Thank God someone cared enough about us to enlighten us about Jesus Christ. We need to do the same and provide the "son" light to others.

Tomorrow's sermon is another prophecy message. I hope you can make it.
Mel Brown