It happened yesterday. Did you notice?
At 2:19 PM EDT, the sun crossed the equator, and the autumnal equinox occurred. From that moment, the days began to get shorter, a trend that continues until the vernal equinox in the Spring, when the trend reverses.
The word “equinox” has its roots in Latin. In Latin, “aequs” means equal, and “nox” means night. For a brief moment, at least at the equator, the day and night share equal time.
The equinox divides the year into two distinct parts. Our days are marked by hours, minutes, and seconds, as well as by the passage of time from dawn to morning, afternoon, evening, and night. Our month can be divided into days and weeks, and our year into months and seasons, marked by equinoxes—very sensible arrangements.
We don’t like the autumnal equinox because it signals the shortening of days and the coming of the winter months. We much prefer the Spring with its fresh new growth and warmer weather, leading us into the lazy, hazy days of summer.
The equinox always brings to mind a couple of Scripture passages.
And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons,and for days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. Genesis 1:14-16
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever.Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever;to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever;to him who spread out the earth above the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever;to him who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever;the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever;the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever… Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:1-9, 26
The predictability of the changes, year in and year out, unchanging since time began, should give us pause to reflect and praise our creator.
The God who loves us reveals Himself in His Word, but also in the wondrous nature of the creation itself. It’s no wonder Paul could write.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Romans 1:18-20
Next time you are pondering the shortening of the days, pause and give thanks that gives signposts that all can see.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed,
Kevin
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