This Sunday evening, March 28, 2021, there will appear in the heavens a super moon. You may be asking yourself, what is a super moon? A super moon happens when the full moon coincides with its closest approach to Earth in its orbit, this is called its Perigee (perəˌjē). The Moon is in this particular orbit only 3 to 4 times a year. A super moon appears much larger and brighter to us here on earth. While orbiting this close to the earth and reflecting the light of the Sun, it commands our attention, causing onlookers to gaze in wonderment and contemplation. There is another term regarding the Moon’s orbit called Apogee (ap-uh-jee). This term refers to the distance of the Moon at its farthest from the earth. While the Moon is still gloriously reflecting the Sun, it is farther away from the earth in its orbit.  

This Months’ particular super moon is typically the last full moon of the astronomical winter and is linked to the start of spring. Another interesting fact about this Sunday’s super moon is that it is a Paschal Moon, it affects the date on which Easter falls. The Moon, however, whether it is a super moon, full moon, half, or quarter, is quite significant to us here on planet earth. God made the Moon for specific purposes. Genesis records these facts. 

“And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. And God made the two great lights – the greater to rule the day and the lesser to rule the night- and the stars.” (Gen 1:14–16.

“For signs and seasons, and for days and years…”  God created the Moon for man’s benefit. It marks seasons, months, causes the tides to rise and fall, and is even used by farmers in their agriculture ventures. As mentioned earlier, the Moon doesn’t emit any light. It’s impossible to do so. It can only reflect the light of the Sun. The inhabitants of the earth benefit from this reflection. It prevents total darkness from consuming the nighttime.            

As we look into the night sky and consider the magnificent creation of the Moon, we should be stirred to evaluate how we reflect the light of Christ. As we come into close contact with the world, what is a dark and dying world viewing? Are they seeing the light of Christ reflecting from us as we pass by them, as we interact with them? Are you reflecting the light of the Son to a lost and dying world? 

Jesus said in Matthew 5:14–16

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”