In its God-ordained fashion, the sun as it continues to shine on parts of the world other than the arctic, generates a solar wind which is filled with clouds of ions. These clouds travel at speeds of between 300 and 1200 km per second on their way to the earth.  When the solar wind reaches the edge of the earth's magnetic field, some of the particles are trapped and follow lines of magnetic force down into our earth's ionosphere (This is the section of our atmosphere that extends from 60 to 600kms above the earth's surface).

The trapped particles begin colliding with different gases already present in the ionosphere and create not the big bang, but the big light show!

Known as the auroras both northern and southern, these light shows are spectacular to say the least.  Each different gas explosion creates a different colour, filling the sky with red, green, blue and violet curtains of light.  Making what I like to call - God's frozen rainbow.   

And this frozen rainbow is also powerful.  The average American or Australian household uses approximately 11400 Watts of power continuously. The aurora at full light show has been scientifically measured at over 1,000,000 mega watts of electricity. This power has interfered with radio, telephone, television and satellite communications.

No surprisingly, the aurora has fascinated mankind for centuries and this fascination has brought with it many interesting explanations for the rainbow curtains of light.

Nordes folklore said that the lights were warlike virgin ladies, whose shields reflect, causing the light show. Fishermen say the lights are in fact the flash of giant schools of herring.  Gold diggers say the light is a reflection of large deposits of gold and those looking for a spiritual explanation have said the lights and the shadows within are the presence of deceased relatives. All interesting ideas, but mere shadows of the plain and simple truth that the aurora is another natural phenomenon that God uses to lift our eyes from the darkness of this earth to delight in and be encouraged by His majesty, power and love.

It is only when we change our focus that we begin to see things differently.  It's so easy to keep our eyes focused on the challenges and joys of everyday life to the exclusion of God's great revelations.  All too often, the to-ing and fro-ing keeps us so busy that we forget that this world is not our home.  

When we stop focusing on the things that are around us, the things that monopolize our time, drain our energy and scream for our attention, then and only then do we have the chance to get an accurate perspective.  When we take the time to be still and marvel in His splendour, take the time to lift our eyes and wow in the glory of His magnificent light displays of love, then we will begin to see ourselves and our lives as God intended - infinitely small in the grand scheme of things, but intimately loved, valued and sought after by the God of the universe.  The God who wants to be your friend.

Lift up your eyes!!