How often have we heard people suggest that someone we know is just going through a phase? It is usually employed as a pejorative term, a not-so-subtle critique followed by an expression of hope that behaviors will return to an acceptable norm. Some, for example view the terrible twos as a phase that young children (and their families) inevitably experience. Older school children are also subject to scrutiny in that regard as they frequently hear about each phase that they characterize in the moment. Teenagers are easy targets because we parents like to tell our children where they stand prior to giving them the opportunity to join in the conversation on their own merit.
Not all phases are associated with human activity. Many are borne by nature’s rhythms and their place in ordered creation. Phases of the moon are particularly suited to study for their unchanging reliability. We count on the moon to help explain tidal forces, nocturnal animal behaviors, and the influence of mass on the celestial orbits of space objects. Migration pattens have long thought to be influenced by the moon as it moves through its stages. Each phase of the moon as seen from earth is a reminder of forces at play that we frequently take for granted.
When the various moon phases (new, crescent, quarter, gibbous, and full) move from one into the next, they are easily identified by whether the moon appears larger or smaller from the previous day or night. Thus, a waxing (growing) crescent would appear right to center while a waning (diminishing) crescent would be seen to the left. It can be habit forming to observe the phases. When charted alongside their corresponding dates, a beautiful symmetry unexpectedly appears. “Moon charts” in their simplistic beauty inspire the imagination and deepen the wonder of genesis and all that has been set in motion.
Constancy regarding the phases of the moon provides a measure of reassurance and affirmation of the primary of our Creator. Psalm 46 acknowledges the goodness of God as sanctuary. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.” (vv.1-3, NRSV)
It takes courage to live fully in the world today without the safety of sanctuary when it is needed. It is easy to offer platitudes when things are going well (i.e.-let go and let God), but it quickly becomes tougher when our backs are to the wall and the necessities of life less certain. Without consistently living out the ideals the a first century carpenter imparted to us we risk negating divine presence altogether, embodying just another phase that persons to through.
Take heart in our celestial moon and in it the assurance of God’s abiding presence. “God made the two great lights — the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night — and the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth from the darkness. And God said that it was good.” (Gen. 1:16-18, NRSV)
Haxtun Church Of The Brethren 