AWE and WONDER

 June 23, 2025

Psalm 19:1 

“The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” 

 

How do we know summer is upon us? Well, yes, I guess the current heatwave might be one response, the school year is ending perhaps. For me, as a resident of the City of Windsor, it is the Ford Fireworks that says SUMMER! Tonight’s show marks the 67th edition of the Ford Fireworks. As we gather for a celebration that is meant to blend two national holidays, Canada Day July 1 and the United States Independence Day of July 4th, a community event on both sides of the border, a display of friendship, fireworks will light up the sky with bursts of color and sound. If you attend or have attended in the past, you will witness people of all ages standing in silence OOOing and Awing with delight at the sight in the night sky. There's something about fireworks that stirs awe. They're bright, beautiful, and a brief 30 minutes, but unforgettable.

In Psalm 19, David reminds us that the heavens themselves are proclaiming God's glory every day, without words. Fireworks may be human-made, but they echo something deeper: our yearning to see light break into darkness, to witness glory.

That same awe we feel watching fireworks points to a far greater Truth. God’s glory is not just momentary or dazzling, it is eternal, holy, and radiant. In our Bible's, God's presence is often described with fire: the burning bush, the pillar of fire, tongues of flame at Pentecost. Fire, like fireworks, gets our attention. But God's fire, according to scripture, is purifying, enduring, and full of truth.

In 2 Corinthians 4:6, Paul writes:

“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”

Jesus we are told in the scriptures, is the full radiance of God’s glory. Jesus doesn’t just light up the sky, Jesus lights up our lives too.


When you see fireworks tonight or this summer, pause to reflect: What stirs your sense of wonder?

Name something beautiful that recently stirred your sense of wonder. How does that moment point you to our Creator.


Let’s Pray

Lord of light and glory,
Thank You for the beauty that surrounds us and for moments that stir awe in our hearts. May we not just admire the temporary awe of human-made fireworks but lift our eyes to Your eternal light. Shine in our hearts and help us reflect Your glory wherever we go.
Amen.