There is something about light on a region that was dark that captivates observers. Whether it be the dawn of a morning, light brought to bear on wildlife in the dark, or “light” on a subject previously not understood, the transition from darkness to light, not knowing to knowing, or not seeing to seeing is the subject of stories, photographs, studies, and experience.
The most eloquent experience of a “dawning” to me is when a human life that had been in the dark comes to Christ and becomes aware that God actually loves them in particular. I have seen this happen or heard of it happening many times and do not get tired of it. God Himself uses the same analogy often in Scripture. It is a great topic to learn about but its the experience that I point to right now. Has this ever happened to you?
I have witnessed the changes in people’s eyes, countenance, thinking, and emotions when they have Christ arise like the dawn in their lives. It is a precious thing to see happen. The event is explained in general terms in John 1:4-7 but to witness it in person or to have it happen makes the words sing and shout. Sometimes the change is slow and quiet; other times it is quick and dramatic. Over time, in either case, the change is magnificent to observe. To see a person become free and alive where they were not before is special.
This all may seem a bit far from observing the heavens, but observing lunar dawns is a constant reminder to me of the changes in people I am talking about when God enters their lives in a new way. Lunar dawns bring to light things that were hidden, show detail not seen just a day earlier. The contrast of light and dark shows things that are not possible to appreciate in full darkness or full light. So it is with the person who experiences being born again, where the light of God is placed within. Things become alive that were not alive before, and it is often apparent in behavior and countenance.
So the sketch below was done just a couple days ago. At the time I was thinking of a scripture about creation, which is noted in the sketch. The more I thought about lunar dawn, however, I thought of the changes that occur when someone meets the Creator. This “lesson of the dawn” is simply incredible.
