What's interesting is, based on technicality, the first official day of fall doesn't begin until the autumn equinox has occurred. In 2010, the autumn equinox will occur on September 23rd. September 23rd marks one of two days this entire year that the sun will rise due east and set due west. It's common misconception that the sun rises due east and sets due west on a daily basis. This perfection is only seen two days out of the year, however. Every other day of the year sees the sun rise just north or south of due east and set just north or south of due west. Also particularly unique about the fall equinox is that anyone on the north pole in the northern hemisphere could see the sun creeping along the horizon--foretelling of the upcoming months of darkness. Similarly, those on the south pole in the southern hemisphere observe the same sun--foretelling of a different fate--six impending months of sustained light. The autumn equinox isn't just another day, but a day that universally marks creation's descent into the months of winter hibernation.
What's so beautiful about this process is the idea of a universal sunset, a universal hope, and a universal longing. The autumn equinox is symbolic of the "sunset of the year." When I watch the sunset, which becomes rare with busy schedules and nightly activities, I usually marvel at the beautiful colors lining the skyline, the decline into night, and how cool and crisp the air grazing my skin feels. Seldom do I stop to think of what the idea of sunset can symbolize in each of our lives. To expound, I think it's fair to assume each of us experience the "sunset of life" in some way or form. We experience pain, loss, loneliness, illness, separation, and feelings of inadequacy. Sadly, the list could go on. These feelings correlate directly with the sun as it begins to set and darkness beings to rear it's ugly head. In my own life, at times, I'll dwell on this decline into darkness. I sit as the sun sets and instantly begin to contemplate the darkness that is about to pervade my life. This darkness is the catalyst to deep pitted feelings of "what am I doing with my life" moments or a reminder of the mundane things that need to be done the next day. Sometimes this darkness is a sign of the loneliness I know is imminent or the feelings of inadequacy that I know will start to creep into the bed with me at night.
As a believer in the resurrection of Christ and the life everlasting, the implications of the sunset of this temporary life should be equally as profound as the belief in which we fundamentally root our faith. To believe in the resurrection of Christ is to believe that even after the sun has turned away, even as the darkness descends, and even as the night seems endless--we are given a divine hope that is the ultimate response to creation's cry for redemption.
As the onset of the impending fall sets in, my prayer for my own life, is to stop and appreciate the dynamics of the lifelong sunset--and to remain faithful to the God who remains infinitely faithful to humanity. In the midst of the busy fall, as summer falls away, my prayer is that my gratitude for the eternal hope in Christ is more real than it ever has been. I pray that my own belief in the resurrection would be the foundation for the hope of something greater--the hope of a God who's nature is infinite and unchanging despite the seasons of life.
In the sunset of life--during times of sadness, grief, loss, and unwarranted pain--we can rest in the joy and hope that this mystery brings. We are redeemed and have the most Holy Redeemer. I have a feeling I'll see the sunset differently going forward. I'll view the sunset with a fresh perspective. During the times of darkness, when the night seems too long, I pray that my hope rests in the eternal sunset of our Creator--in the sunset that symbolizes the conquest of death for the hope of a fallen humanity. Thanks be to God.
