Originally posted 4/16/24
April 8, 2024, was a much-anticipated date. People traveled from different parts of the country to see the eclipse in its totality. Hotels were booked and interstates were parking lots. Many communities benefitted economically from the event. Television stations broadcasted the entire event. It was possible to watch the event without leaving your home. The eclipse in our area was 98% but just 2 hours south of us it was a total eclipse.
I had the unique experience of watching it with my ladies’ Bible study group. Some went outside to watch it in real time while others watched the live broadcast of the total eclipse. I watched the total eclipse online and then walked outside to compare the difference.
There is certainly a difference between 98% and 100%. It doesn’t sound like much, but the difference was stark. As you might imagine, the 100% was total darkness. The television screen went completely dark. It only lasted four minutes, but it was complete and utter darkness.
As I walked outside to look at the eclipse in real time; it was eerie. It felt like a storm was brewing but there were no clouds. The temperature dropped. The wind stilled. Nature was silent.
For us in 2024, we had prepared for this event. We had heard about it for months. Glasses were sold in stores everywhere. It did not catch any of us by surprise. Since it came the week after the resurrection of Christ, one can’t help but wonder how the early Christians felt when their world went dark.
Jesus breathed his last breath and the world went dark. It is a reminder for us all what the death of Christ did for us. Christ took on the darkness of this world by becoming our perfect sacrifice. He shed his blood so that we could live eternity with Him in heaven. People thought it was all lost, but God had something else planned. The darkness was necessary for us to experience the true light. It went from hopelessness to unwavering hope.
As the eclipse continued, there was a glimmer of light on the horizon. Total darkness for us only lasted four minutes while the early Christians experienced it for hours. I was struck by how little light you need to make a profound difference. We are that light for the world. Even the little things can make a profound difference to someone else.
On the flip side, I was struck by the gradual darkness. It happened so quickly that it could have gone unnoticed. The darkness of this world can creep into our lives so gradually that we don’t even realize it. Before we know it the darkness has filled us. It’s easy to get caught up in the drama of this world. We are the light. It is up to us to show the world the light and the difference it can make to someone else.
Who can you spread light to today? Will you take the opportunity or will you let it pass you by?
#faith, #Bible, #Scriptures, #Christian Women, #Discipleship, #eclipse2024