This
season has already started out with so many people being sick, and the threat
of the disease is very real.. We need to remember during these trying and
frightening times that Jesus brought forth light into the darkness.
Almost 100 years ago we faced similar conditions, but then as now we can
celebrate Jesus as the light of the world.
This
was plainly seen by thousands of people during the American influenza epidemic
of 1918. During the height of that plague, churches and all public gathering
places were ordered closed. Yet more than ever, it was then that people needed
hope and consolation. Burdened by his inability to reach out to people in their
time of need, one resourceful pastor thought of the magnificent stained
glass windows that graced his church. Those windows faced a major
thoroughfare and were large and commanding in design. He had numerous
floodlights placed inside the church; illumination through the glass to
the outside world gave passers-by the full effect of the windows story.
There
for all to see were the matchless portrayals of Jesus: Jesus the
good shepherd bearing a lamb on his bosom; Jesus the searching Savior
rescuing the lone lost sheep while the ninety-nine rested safely on the
fold; Jesus praying in Gethsemane; Jesus on the cross; Jesus triumphant in
Resurrection glory. The silent sermons of light and stained glass spoke an
eloquent message.
The
Gospel of John puts it this way: The true light that gives light
of every man was coming into the world. People who passed by the
church would stop reverently, silently. They found themselves filled with
new resolve and encouragement. They saw ever more clearly in that age of
sickness the light of Christ glory which was coming into the world.
