“The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor.”
1 Corinthians 15:41 (NIV)
God created the heavens and the earth as described in Genesis chapter one. As part of creation, He made the sun and the moon, and they display His splendor in the skies above us. No matter where I travel through the years, the sun and moon are always there. I love to gaze up at the moon as I stand on other continents.
The sight reminds me that no matter how far I travel, God is there with me as He sits enthroned in the heavenly realms. It comforts me to feel His presence reflected down on me. Additionally, I enjoy the thought that my family can be in other places and see the same moon light in the night sky above them. I feel their closeness in the moon’s reflection even if we are separated by a great expanse of ocean.
The Moon Light
As I study the moon’s beauty, shining brightly in the night sky, I realize how it illustrates the difference between a life with Christ and one with His light. Beyond the obvious fact that God created the moon, I find symbolism in the dark and light sides of the moon. Let’s look at this relationship of the moon to Christ in the world.
Dark Side of the Moon
Sin in the world is often represented by darkness where the light does not reach, resembling the moon’s dark side. Sin kills the soul of humanity, leaving it desolate and cold in its darkness. The lack of light and extreme coldness prevents anything from budding and developing on the far side of our lunar orb. Satan delights in separating us from the light of Christ and makes us feel cold and isolated as if we lived on the moon’s dark side.
Bright Side of the Moon
The moon’s bright side is very different in its symbolism for our faith. The lighted side of the moon shines its light down upon the earth as it reflects the sun’s light. This demonstrates how our lives should reflect the light of the Heavenly Son. Also, a full moon can illuminate our pathways in the darkness. Likewise, our faith should light the path for those still living in the darkness of sin. Finally, light is what gives life to everything God created, allowing all things to grow and flourish. Christ’s light in our lives sustains our souls, bringing us to eternal life.
The next time you look up at the moon, I hope it will remind you of your faith in Christ. I hope it encourages you to reveal the light of Christ in you to the dark world around you.
Prayer
Oh Lord, my Heavenly Father. Thank you for the blessings in my life. Thank you for the gift of nature that surrounds us and directs us back to You. Help me feel Your loving presence each time I look at the sun, moon, and stars. In Jesus’ Holy Name. Amen.
I love observing the moon, stars, and sun. God’s creations are awesome! 🙂
They are awesome and such a gift from our Father
The moon is a reminder to me of humility. Like the moon, I am not the source of my own light, but I reflect the light of Christ, who is my source!
I love that point. Great though Ava. Thanks and God bless
What a great way to describe and explain our relationship with Christ ma’am. Our “dark sides” do find their ways back into our lives at times (phases), but God’s light is ALWAYS reflecting on our “light side”. It’s still there, reflecting, even though we’re surrounded by sin at times. I’ll never look at the moon again, which I use many nights to guide my way around as I do night checks, etc., without thinking of this marvelous lesson. Thank you, and God’s blessings.
Thanks for visiting and commenting JD. I appreciate your thoughts always. God bless.
Yvonne, this was a refreshing post on the moon. My grandkids like to say, “Mimi, look, I see the moon.” You certainly brought out some new things to reflect on when it comes to the moon and our light in Christ.
Thanks Karen. I remind my grandkids that we can look at the same moon no matter where we are in the world and remember each other. Blessings
Reflecting Christ to others just like the lighted side of the moon reflects the sunlight is a unique thought. We reflect Him as Christ shines. His shining, His reality, His presence all can be understood by others who will watch to see these reflected in our lives. This makes it particularly important that we reflect the Savior accurately, not ourselves, and not others.
Amen Melinda. Well said. Thanks and blessings
I love this analogy. Since I’m a farm girl, at times I’m still working outside in the evening when the moon rises or up early in the morning to see it. When God set the two lights in the sky, he planned each one for its purpose. We must have the sun for so many important reasons, but the moon seems more humble, but still has a purpose. A lesson for us. Thank you!
Thanks Katherine. It is amazing how God makes all the pieces work together including the sun and moon. We can learn so many lessons from them.
I love to view the night sky and never get enough of it’s beauty. His creation does reflect who He is and how He relates to us. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Barbara. May we always be a reflection of our Heavenly Father. Blessings
This was a great illustration of how God’s presence in our lives change us. I especially liked the line, that like the moon, “our faith should light the path for those still living in the darkness of sin.”
Thanks Janet. I learn so much from seeing God’s hand in nature. I appreciate your thoughts. Blessings
In the winter here in Montana when there is snow on the ground and a full moon you would think it was daylight. It is so bright and beautiful. It always reminds me to reflect the Son.
It sounds so very beautiful and peaceful. Thanks for commenting and blessings
What a beautiful and inspiring post. You are right that the moon is a wonderful example of how we can shine the light of Christ in a dark world.
Thanks Jessica. I love to see all the heavenly bodies in the night skies. Blessings
Indeed, the heavens declare God’s glory, Yvonne. Thank you for describing a beautiful lesson about Jesus using the moon that we so often take for granted.
Thank you Annie. I do take them for granted at times. I pray for God to slow me down to see His world around me.
What a beautiful picture of believers reflecting the light of Christ, Yvonne. It’s His power and strength shining through us when we seek Him. Thank you.
Thanks Jeannie. I appreciate your thoughts. Blessings
I was checking out the moon this evening as I walked the dog. I love the picture you make of the moon representing our faith. Thanks, Yvonne. God bless!
Thanks Nancy. I’m glad you saw the moon tonight. Blessings