On April 27 there will be an Annular Solar Eclipse visible in Antarctica and partly visible in Australia and Indonesia.

            Unlike a normal Solar Eclipse, an Annular Solar Eclipse does not block out the Sun completely. Instead, because the Moon is further away form Earth than normal, the Moon covers most of the Solar disc but leaves a bright ring of fire around the Sun. The ring of fire is a beautiful sight which should, however, only be viewed through welding glass or protective eye gear.

            The darkness of a normal Solar Eclipse reminds us of the darkness attributed to the Day of the Lord (See Amos 5:20). The Hebrew Feast of Trumpets, pointing to Christ’s return on the Day of the Lord, is the only Hebrew feast day set on the first day of the lunar month when the darkness of a Solar Eclipse could occur. Interestingly, there will be Solar Eclipses on the Feast of Trumpets in 2080, 2099, 2118, and 2137, which may be signs of the return of Christ.

 The Bright Annular Eclipse reminds us that Christ, the light of the world, will shine out in the Day of Judgment. All will see Him in the brightness of His coming.

            We will miss the Annular Eclipse in America, but the Moon will bring us a similar reminder of the Brightness of Christ. Just before dawn on April 25 and 26, the Moon will be very near the bright planet Venus. Venus represents Christ, the Seed of Woman, in the Star Bible and is also known as the Bright Morning Star (See Rev. 22:16)

            Throughout the world on April 26, the three brightest celestial objects, the Sun, Moon, and Venus, will remind us that the darkness of the Day of Judgment will be followed by the brightness of Christ’s coming. So take your binoculars out before dawn on April 26 and see if you can find Venus and the New Moon.

            And pray that the world will see the brightness of His coming soon.