The total eclipse of the son

Whether you drove miles away or stayed in your neighbourhood; whether you stood outside with your protective glasses on or stayed indoors with the curtains shut… one way or another you experienced the solar eclipse on April 8th.

It’s been interesting to read the social media posts. After a quick perusal, my conclusion is that a solar eclipse, through fraught with complex physics and math, and even rich theological symbolism, beyond all that, those who witnessed the eclipse in its totality described it as the most beautiful natural phenomenon they’ve ever experienced.

And further, some would say that the existence of such beauty is one of the strongest arguments for the existence of a beautiful, glorious God.

Theologian and Oxford University academic John Owen wrote this in the 1600’s:

When the sun is under a total eclipse, it loses nothing of its native beauty, light, and glory. It is still the same that it was from the beginning, a “great light to rule the day.” To us it appears as a dark, useless meteor; but when it comes by its course to free itself from the lunar interposition, to its proper aspect towards us, it manifests again its native light and glory.

So was it with the divine nature of Christ, as we have before declared. He veiled the glory of it by the interposition of the flesh, or the assumption of our nature to be his own; with this addition, that he took on him the “form of a servant,” of a person of mean and low degree. But this temporary eclipse being past and over, it now shines forth in its infinite lustre and beauty, which belongs to the present exaltation of his person.

John Owen's comparison of the eclipse to the veiling and revelation of Christ's divine nature is thought-provoking. And perhaps it is not altogether surprising how a natural phenomena like an eclipse can inspire such profound theological contemplation.

This idea that beauty serves as evidence for the existence of a glorious Creator is echoed by theologians and philosophers throughout history. And it is a reminder to us to appreciate the wonders of the world around us and to find joy in recognizing the handiwork of a Holy God.

Whether you experienced the eclipse firsthand or not, the message to pause, and wonder, and find joy in the Divine should resonate with us all.

So don’t wait until the next total eclipse (2026 in Spain or 2144 in Ontario!) to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, and to acknowledge the Creator behind it all.

Promises

She was inconsolable as she told me her story.

He told her that he loved her.  He was rich, and handsome, and traveled the world. He told her that he loved her and he promised her the world. She had been told that he wanted nothing more than to be with her but his business had run into a little financial hardship and the only way  he could make the trip across the pond would be if she lent him some money.  He would return it.  Promise. With interest.  With the money she would lend, he would get his house in order and then they would be together forever. He promised. She believed him. She had been the victim of a scam.

It was a heart wrenching story to hear.

Professional scammers taking advantage of unsuspecting individuals.  Unfortunately, it happens all the time.

Have you ever been scammed?  Maybe not in the same way as the individual above, but an unfulfilled promise nonetheless. You were promised something good only to have it turn out very bad.  It is a horrible feeling.

James 1:17.  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

God promises good and perfect gifts.  And God’s promises never return void. God’s promises never fail.

Honestly, there are some times in my life when I feel very connected to God and I feel like my faith is strong. I feel good and grounded and “I can” is my mantra.  And then there are other times in my life when I don’t feel as connected. I am discouraged and sometimes to the point of losing hope by all that this world is throwing at me. This scripture is a beautiful reminder to dwell on the good things we have and know that they come for our good God and Father.

You know that sensation you get when it is the hottest day of the summer and you finally get to enjoy that thirst quenching glass of cold water. Or, that feeling that rises up inside your heart when you hear a little baby belly laughing. Or when you cross off the last things on your to do list and you still have time leftover to do something fun or relax!  All of those things are gifts from the Father, who loves us, who give us really good and perfect gifts and who never ever changes or fails.

I pray you see more of God’s good gifts today.

Happy Easter!

Have you ever wondered why Easter falls on a different date every year?

Easter is always the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox (March 20 or 21).  The date of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that the Hebrew people used to identify Passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar.  Easter can fall as early as March 23 and as late as April 25.

The next time Easter will fall on March 31 is in the year 2086!

I wonder what it would have been like to be there there in Jerusalem all those many years ago.  The Passover was being celebrated – a celebration of thankfulness to God for bringing God’s people out of Egyptian captivity.  So Jerusalem was an incredibly busy place with people filling the streets.  It was also a time, however, when the Israelites were under oppression from the Roman government and they were anxiously waiting for God to send them a deliverer – another Moses or David.

As Jesus enters into the city the people begin to cry “Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the Highest”.  They had heard of Jesus’ great wisdom and miracles.  Others were there when He had feed the five thousand with only a few fishes and loaves of bread.  This must be the man who would save them!
The crowds took the cloaks off their backs and spread them on the road.  They waved branches, cheering “Hosanna, in the highest”.  Their shout of “Hosanna” was a shout of “Save us”.

But as we know, Jesus did not come to save them from their political oppression.  He came to rescue them from their sins.

As we enter into the Easter story this week, know that this man of power and presence – Jesus the Christ – came not only for those in the crowed streets of Jerusalem, but He came for you and for me.

On Sunday we waved palm branches to the King of Kings. As we sang “Hosanna, hosanna in the highest” we, like the crowd in Jerusalem all those years ago were singing “Save us”.

However, unlike the crowd that gathered that day, we have the assurance that when we surrender and commit our lives to the king, Jesus will save us!

Plan to join us on Good Friday at 11 am as we gather to remember.

Often people will say that the word “good” does not properly describe the day.  “What’s so “good” about Good Friday?” they ask. Think about it this way:  on that day Jesus paid the penalty for humanity’s sins; because he took upon himself what we deserve, it is a day that delivers good news for those who accept this gift.  Joy is coming.

On Easter Sunday at 11am we celebrate the Risen Christ.

Jesus lived, died, and was raised from the dead on a Sunday morning.  This is likely the most attested event in human history. Through this God showed us his perfection, his love and he showed us he is who he said he was. We, who are Christians, believe that the cross and empty tomb are the decisive moment in history and …death no longer has final say.  Hosanna!

Join us this Holy week as we journey to JOY!