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 Mephis, TN has put up a site where you can view current and past issues of our report. Click here to view Japanese Lantern News.
