Over the last two days, many people in the United States were treated to a stunning display of an aurora borealis. Known as the Northern Lights, this is a phenomenon caused by  “the interaction between the Earth’s magnetic field and charged particles from the sun’s atmosphere that enter the earth’s atmosphere. A solar flare (energetic particles from the sun) floats through space on the solar wind, eventually penetrating the Earth’s magnetic field. Electrons in the magnetic field sideswipe oxygen atoms or nitrogen molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere. The bursts of colorful light—the northern lights—are colliding particles (usually electrons) and atoms; at collision, electrons can return to their initial, lower energy state, and in the process, release photons or light particles we know as aurorae” according to MIT. You need a degree from MIT to follow all that. But in short, the aurora borealis is a spectacular nighttime light show.

We were treated to this beautiful marvel all the way down here in the Outer Banks. I had been reading and hearing about it, and as soon as pictures began to be posted from my local area, I ran out into the freezing wind to see it. It took a little more probing, however, to realize that in my area the lights could only be seen through my iPhone camera lens set to “night mode.” There is a completely scientific reason for that, but the short story is that the lights were invisible to the naked eye.

And yet, they were there.

We continue our lectionary reading of Colossians today. As you read this, take note of the invisible/visible references.

Colossians 1 (Common English Bible)

The Son is the image of the invisible God,
        the one who is first over all creation,

¹⁶ Because all things were created by him:
        both in the heavens and on the earth,
        the things that are visible and the things that are invisible.
            Whether they are thrones or powers,
            or rulers or authorities,
        all things were created through him and for him.

¹⁷ He existed before all things,
        and all things are held together in him.

Paul helps us understand that Jesus is the visible eikon of God: He is the “stamp” or manifestation of God on earth. Through Christ, the invisible becomes visible. Christ was present at creation, and all things were created by and through him. Every power, throne, principality, and ruler are subject to him. This gives me great comfort in these days of chaos.

¹⁸ He is the head of the body, the church,
who is the beginning,
        the one who is firstborn from among the dead
        so that he might occupy the first place in everything.

By saying that Jesus is the head of the church, we are reminded of the importance of not falling prey to “personality cultism,” where parishioners become too enamored of their preachers. When those mortal people fail or leave, the church suffers for having taken their eyes off of Christ, the true head. Does your church worship the pastor? Be careful. I’ve been in those churches, and they always end poorly.

¹⁹ Because all the fullness of God was pleased to live in him,
²⁰         and he reconciled all things to himself through him—
        whether things on earth or in the heavens.
            He brought peace through the blood of his cross.

Christ is both the unifying principle and the personal sustainer of all creation, both in heaven and on earth. As we look to the stars each night, may it be a reminder to never take our eyes off of him.

Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light