In ancient Japan, many streets were lit by bright paper lanterns with a candle lit inside. On dark nights a whole chain of these lanterns could be seen lighting the paths for the towns and villages. Even in these days, there are many festivals in Japan which traditionally have paper lanterns (now often with electric lights within) to make a beautiful sight in the dark nights of Japan
When I was a boy growing up in Japan as the son of missionary parents, Bill and Norma Carrell, I recall my father using a big lantern such as this to advertise a gospel meeting or to point the way to the church building. It reminded me of Ps. 119:105 which tells us, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” It has been a joy to see so many people over the years respond to God’s light in the Bible message and have their lives brightened with joy and happiness.
When I returned to Japan after getting my education and finding a wife willing to join me in Japan, it seemed fitting to use the term, Japanese Lantern, to describe what we wanted to do in spreading the Good News about Jesus Christ to the Japanese people. As more lives are enlightened by God’s truth, lives will be changed so that the daily lives of those touched by the love of Christ will become rich and meaningful.
Park Ave. Church of Christ in Memphis, TN has put up a site where you can view current and past issues of our report. Click here to view Japanese Lantern News.
Park Ave. Church of Christ in Memphis, TN has put up a site where you can view current and past issues of our report. Click here to view Japanese Lantern News.