Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. – Isaiah 40:26
I have always loved the beauty of sunrises and sunsets, but as the years have gone by, I have realized how deeply my soul is touched by the majestic nighttime sky. For centuries, the stars have helped to light up the sky at night and have been used to help travelers find their way. They symbolize hope, guidance, and eternity. The moon is beautiful and mysterious. Just as the moon goes through phases from a crescent to a full circle, I am reminded that we, too, go through changes and growth. The moon is the brightest natural light we can see in the dark sky, so often, it represents a quiet sense of awe and wonder.
The nighttime sky is the most beautiful when we are out somewhere away from the city lights, and we can gaze upon its beauty with wonder. I love to look into the sky when we are in the mountains, at the ocean, or anywhere we have a wide-open view of the sky. But we need to remember that, even in the midst of the city lights, the beauty is still there. God’s everlasting love is constant.
We have a park across the street from our home, with large trees lining its perimeter. The very placement of the trees creates for me a sacred space in the middle that helps block some of the lights of the city. There are nights that I have felt troubled or overwhelmed, and I tell Bob, “I’ll be right back,” and head out the front door for a few minutes. He knows that I’m going outside to look at the moon and the stars. He also knows that wherever I am in the world, this spiritual practice brings me comfort and peace. It is there that I feel stress and anxiety melt away, and my soul is filled with peace in the present moment.
As Isaiah calls us to lift our eyes to the heavens, we are reminded that we are not alone and that God’s everlasting love for each one of us will endure forever. I hope that you will take time this Advent season to slow down enough to enjoy this spiritual practice, look into the heavens, and find peace in His presence.
Marsha Long, Director of Hospitality Ministry
