A nickname for Alaska and many northern regions is “The Land of
the Midnight Sun.” In Alaska we are blessed with an abundance of
sunlight and rays in the summer, while in the winter we long for
light and warmth. Light has many redeeming qualities and it is
easy to take it for granted, especially when it is not around.
In Matthew 5:14, Jesus says to the group of people following
Him, “You are the light of the world.” When Jesus said they were
the light of the world, it was in contrast to the Greeks of the
day who were known for their superior knowledge, architecture,
art, and philosophy. Aristotle, Plato and Socrates had already
shared with the world centuries before Jesus told this
unassuming group that they were the light of the world. Jesus
had just given a discourse on the realities of living in His
kingdom and what it would look like to “blessed” in such a way.
Then He tells those who claim Him as Lord of their lives that
they have the opportunity to share with others the “light” of
His love. Jesus could