The Sun and Moon

Each winter, the moon gets more screen time.

Dusk covers the skyline on a commute home. The sun sets from view. And the moon assumes its position, illuminating the light of the sun throughout the late afternoon and night.

It’s beautiful to observe on rare occasion.

What I find most fascinating, though, is the relationship between the moon and sun.

The sun emits light through a nuclear fusion process, illuminating across galaxies. The moon, a giant rock, reflects the light of the sun as it bounces off the rocky surface, traveling in all directions, reflecting light in darkness.

Said differently, the sun is light. The moon reflects the sun’s light in the darkness.

Do you see undertones of good news here?

The Son is light.

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’” (John 8:12, NIV).

We reflect it.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, NIV).

As young professionals, what does that mean for us?

1. The moon is not the source of light, the sun is —

   • Like the moon, we only receive the light of Christ. We don’t create it ourselves. Therefore, we ought to fight for and protect time to receive His light every day (proactive) not merely hoping to find time (reactive). This is the difference between proactive versus reactive. Remember that love (and light) comes from God (1 John 4:7, NIV).

   • What does quality time with God look like for us each day?

2. The moon radiates only 12% of the total light that the sun produces —

   • Like how the sun emits much more light than the moon, the glory of God and His light is much greater than our own. And for this reason, God is worthy of all our heart’s worship and affection. Perspective is key! “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name” (Matthew 6:9, NIV).

   • Whose glory shines brightest in your life?

3. The moon serves an important purpose —

   • Like the moon shines the light of the sun at dusk, we illuminate the light of Christ in darkness. And if the Scriptures say that Jesus was full of grace and truth (John 1:14, NIV), then followers of Jesus ought to illuminate these same traits within every environment we find ourselves in: workplaces, family time over the holidays, social media, gyms, churches, restaurants — embodying traits like compassion, kindness, and humility (Colossians 3, NIV) birthed over time from receiving His light.

   • Who do you want to become?

So, as you gaze upon the moon during commutes this winter season, remember this:

As the moon reflects the light of the sun in darkness, we reflect the light of the Son in darkness.

Become children of light by making time to receive light, remembering the source of light, and therefore, reflecting light in darkness.

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8, NIV).

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