And In The Morning

Luke 1:78 – Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us. (KJV)

Exodus 16:7 – And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the Lord (KJV)

To see the sunrise from Maui's dormant volcano, Haleakala, is something very special, very sacred. To experience it with one's family on Christmas morning is almost beyond being able to express.

Waking at four a.m., we dressed warmly, walked out into the darkness and got into our car to begin the hour-and-a-half journey winding our way ten thousand feet up to the top of the crater. The nearer we got to our destination, the closer we seemed to the stars, so that when we parked and got out, it seemed we could almost reach right out and rest them on the palms of our hands.

Winding our way as if in a pilgrimage, a respectful hush hovers as we take our places along the railing or amongst the many rocks, everyone separate and silent with their own thoughts. We are above the clouds and the cold is invigorating as we wait in revered silence. Slowly the sun shows itself and begins creeping up, crowned by its rays, like a beautiful big golden red bloom opening up before our very eyes, expanding, expanding, until the sunrise is complete, its rays reaching out all around it.

This is not something created or arranged by man. This truly is the glory of the Lord.

Prayer: We give thanks, our Father, for your glory each morning. Teach us to savour the greatness of our good mornings to tide us through those times we find hard to bear. In Your name we pray. Amen.