Signs and Seasons

On the fourth day of creation,  God said,  "Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so."

These "lights in the firmament" include the sun, the moon, and the stars.  The lights of heaven were given to us first as “signs” and secondly as “seasons.” I believe we are not very good at looking for and understanding these "signs." It is my opinion that the most important "signs" in the heavens occur when there the lights in the firmament join together creating a specular heavenly event. For example, the alignment of the sun and the moon causing an eclipse creating one single "sign." 

Signs: 

The TRIPLE ECLIPSES:

• August 21, 2017 
• Oct. 14, 2023
• April 8, 2024

 In the upcoming months there will be important signs in the heavens we should pay attention to. These signs are solar eclipses. One has already occurred on August 21, 2017.   It was called the Great American Solar Eclipse. I briefly posted about that event  here on this post. It was interesting to see what happened shortly after that ellipse, like damages to the LDS Temples which I reported on this post and on this post.  

I do not believe that ellipses are good signs. I think they are signs of warnings.  Time magazine published a recent article about solar eclipses.  The research reported that throughout history, humans believe that a solar eclipse is a sign of heavenly disapproval and have influenced tragic events that happened years later.  Even today, an eclipse of the Sun is considered a bad omen in many cultures.

THIS OCTOBER: A RING OF FIRE 

This year on Oct. 14, 2023, an annular solar eclipse will cross the United States in North America and well as though Central and South America. It is nicknames a "Ring of Fire". See photo below.

What makes this sign important is the Path of Totality. It will pass through not only Utah but through much of the United States, Central America and then South America... ending though the city of Natal, Brasil where I served for about 6 months. Natal means "relating to the place of time of one's birth. It is also the Portuguese name for Christmas.

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THE GREAT AMERICAN SOLAR ECLIPSE: APRIL 8, 2024

Probably the most important of the Total Solar Eclipses will be on April 8, 2024. I have posted about that event HERE in this post. 

Only God could create this event. It was recently described by a friend of mine in these words: 

"From the surface of the earth, the sun occupies a place in the firmament exactly the same as the space occupied by the moon. The sun’s diameter is 109 times the earth’s diameter. The moon is 1/4th the size and less than 1/80th the mass of the earth. From the surface of the earth the sun and moon occupy an identical area in the firmament. Their matching size and location are both located on the ecliptic, making it possible for both an eclipse of the sun and the moon. This was ordained by God to testify in the heavens and about Him and His work."

I find it interesting that one of the cities in the Path of Totality is Kirtland, Ohio.  Preparations are being made for a conference to be held in the Kirtland Temple that weekend of April 6th, 2024 just days before the solar eclipse.

Seasons:

A few weeks ago was the Winter Solstice. I look forward to this day every year.  There was an email  response to question posted on a blog with the following information about the solstices as well as a future temple that needs to be built. Here are some excerpts from that email.  The Winter Solstice is a day of “light winning over darkness.” It is based on natural ebb and flow of sunlight on this planet. The longest night and shortest day are the day before the Solstice. ...The beginning of light returning, and lengthening daylight, is the Solstice.

In response to a question about God not presently having a house on earth, it should be clear this is not a reference to men as the temple of God. God does dwell with some now living.

Nor is it a reference to the various synagogues, cathedrals, chapels, temples and religious facilities constructed by all the various religions in which men practice their rites and devotions to God. Some of those are lovely, quiet and filled with reverence and beauty.

It is a reference to a House God will visit and accept as His. He will appear there, send His messengers (angels) to visit and open a fiery corridor between heaven and earth. Or, in other words, a place where a pillar of fire will dwell.

This was not a criticism of places of worship used by men today. It is an observation of present conditions and a description of what will need to be built and accepted prior to the Lord’s return. It will need to be constructed strictly, in accordance with the pattern God requires, and not something men presently construct as their places of worship.

Everything from the location to the details of the design must be according to God’s instructions. It will be proof on the earth for heaven to behold, showing to the Powers of Heaven that mankind (however few) are listening to Him and are now willing to do what He asks. God will control if and when it will be done, and who will be permitted to construct His House. This will not be a volunteer project. God alone will bring it to pass, using means determined by Him.

There must be a site prepared, and an invitation extended, before the Lord’s return. That place must be hallowed. It is a necessary precondition for His return. It is from that site the sanctification of the earth will proceed. Eventually the whole earth will be renewed.

Until there is a House of God that will be accepted as His to observe this important events, I try and observe it in nature which requires a hike in the snow. This year I hiked to a suspension bridge up in th foothills of the Wasatch Mountains above the Bonneville Shoreline. Here are a few photos. I am always amazed at how nature responds to those who faithfully observe the marked days of the seasons.