Day 9 – Genesis 1 verses 14 – 19 (Light of Day)
Bible Reading – Genesis 1 verses 14 – 19
14 And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, 15 and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. 16 God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. 17 God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, 18 to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day.
Opening Prayer
Lord, we thank you for the magnificence of your creation. We look to the skies and see the light of the sun and moon. In the dark of the night we look and see the shining stars of the universe too numerous to count. We rejoice as we know your hand created all that we can see and so much more. We thank you for the lights which light up our lives both physically and spiritually. Help us to remember that you are the light of the world. Amen
Reflection
There is no doubt that our lives are measured by the circle of day and night. We measure the seasons, the years and the span of our lives with this gift of light which creates the day of light and dark. That calendar allows us to determine the sacred events that we celebrate. Advent being one of those times that we mark.
I am re-reading some science fiction from my teenage years at the moment. One series I am reading is the Dumarest Saga which briefly involves a man who had fled earth as a child and in his travels had no idea where the earth was in the universe. The series relates his adventures as he seeks to find his way home. In the novel spectrum of a forgotten sun he finds an artifact which, as the title hints, shows the spectrum of our sun. He now has that knowledge to assist his search. This is book 15 of the series and there are 34 so he has a way to go yet!
Like the hero in these books we are also entranced by the light of the sun, the moon and stars of our home planet. Light which gives us comfort and security. If we read into the book of revelation 22: 5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
It is worth noting that the moon has no light of its own; it shines only because of reflected light from the sun. That is a good illustration of how we and the church work, as we too only reflect the message which God has given it.
So, as we look forward to the coming of light into the world this Christmas, let us also rejoice in the promise of your eternal light which is to come in the future.
A time for your own reflection
Read the passage again and spend a little time thinking of how the passage speaks to you. The wonder of scripture is that there is always something new to discover and each passage speaks to us in our own need and circumstances.
Only if you feel you want to – share your thoughts with someone. God inspires our thoughts and you never know, the person you share with may be waiting to hear what you have to say.
Song
Here is the next song –
“Light of Day”
I hesitate to call this a progressive metal song but it is of that style. Some of my favourite bands fall into this category so faced with writing something about the creation of the sun, moon, stars and planets I decided something a little different was called for.
I also wanted to express that we are all “stars” shining in the world. We too are created, like the stars, to bring light into the world. Sometimes we hide our light or feel that it is rendered useless by the other lights around us, but the time will come when we will all answer the call of God and we will truly shine.
Words: Chris Hancock
Inspiration: Genesis 1 verses 14 – 19
Music: Generated on Suno.com
Voice: A.I.
[Verse 1]
light of day, fades away
Darkness falls, close of day
Vision fades, shadow spreads
Dreams of wonder in sleepy heads
[Chorus]
Light from star which your hands had formed
Shines brightly on the place you’re born
Lights of the night which guide the way
Here with us though far away
[Verse 2]
Flickering stars, now appear
Scattered rays, darkness clear
Heavenly helper, show the way
Guide our hearts, as we pray
[Bridge]
Once again, gather there
Come close, if we dare
Starlight dancing, on his face
Sleeping, waking, full of grace
[Chorus]
Light from star which your hands had formed
Shines brightly on the place you’re born
Lights of the night which guide the way
Here with us though far away
[Verse 4]
Even in the light of day
The stars still shine away
Ready for the time
When their light will truly shine
[Chorus]
Light from star which your hands had formed
Shines brightly on the place you’re born
Lights of the night which guide the way
Here with us though far away.
[Outro]
Even in the light of day
The stars still shine away
Ready for the time
When their light will truly shine
Prayer
Loving God, help us to celebrate your presence with us each and every day. Encourage us to stop our busy lives and submerge ourselves in you and your mighty works. As we see the light from the sky and feel the warmth of the sun. I thank you, our Father, for the lesson of the sun, the moon, and the stars. Write it upon our hearts that we will not forget. As each day in its unchanging course reminds us of these events; as the sun rises and the moon sets, and the stars come out, as the light of the night is brightened by the shining of the moon, so help us to remember that this is the picture of your intention for your church: to shine in the moral darkness of this world and lighten it until the Day Star shall arise once again, “the Sun of righteousness, with healing in his wings,” to bring light, in all its fullness of glory, to a troubled and darkened world. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Copyrights
Reflections and Prayers
By Chris Hancock
Songs
Words of the songs are by Chris Hancock
Music generated on Suno.com
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Bible Readings
Bible readings are from the New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Images
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