It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed. Luke 23:44-45
The darkness which covered the land during the crucifixion of Christ is written about in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, but the source of the darkness is unknown. Was the sun simply behind clouds or was there more to it? According to an article by Eric Adler of the Kansas City Star, the darkness was not due to a solar eclipse. However, as I watched in awe the 2017 solar eclipse, I could not help but wonder if this was what the darkness was like as Christ gave up his life.
The Eclipse
I wish I had understood it would be a sacred moment.
But I didn't know. The location, the weather, the clouds, the earth, the moon, the sun. But I didn't know. And when I understood, it was too late. Too late for silence, too late for stillness, too late to be alone. The heavens were declaring the glory of God. But all around me was a cacophony of chatter. They didn't know either. For a moment I beheld eternity. Christ gave up his life as the sky darkened, and the sun's light failed. "Crucify him!" They didn't know either. They didn't understand it was a sacred moment. |