The Heavens Declare for All to See
One of the special river trips we do each year is a unique 7-day “Geology by Day and Astronomy by Night” experience. Dr. Danny Faulkner joins us on this trip and presents an amazing opportunity to study the cosmos over the canyon. We have amazingly dark night skies here in Northern Arizona. That, combined with the dry desert air and high elevation makes for an ideal location for astronomy.
Truly the “Heavens declare the glory of God” over the Grand Canyon, much as they did 2,000 years ago for the birth of Christ. The Christmas season is a time when we are surrounded by lights and stars. We are reminded of one star in particular that led wise men from the east to Israel in order to worship the newly born King of kings. This handiwork of God was likely set in motion on day 4 of Creation Week and roughly 4,000 years before the wise men witnessed the sign in the heavens. When the “fullness of time had come” God sent forth His radiant Son into the world of darkness to bring eternal light to all mankind.
Canyon Ministries exists as a direct result of the illumination Christ brought into the city of Bethlehem that night, and much like the star that drew wise men to the Light of the World, the Grand Canyon is a tremendous place that draws people from all over the earth. Our hope and prayer each day is that every single person who stands in awe at the rim of the canyon, or rafts on its verdant waters below will see God’s glory on display and ultimately be drawn to Him. We serve as a reflection of the light of Christ into the gaping chasm of the Grand Canyon. Our desire is to reflect and radiate His glory for all to see.
Whether signs in the heavens, the angels in chorus, or simply the still small voice of the Creator whispering “I AM”, we have an amazing reason this December to reflect on the birth of the Savior, and to celebrate the inception of the Immanuel, for truly God is with us!
-Nate
