The Promise of Dawn
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In the quiet predawn hours, my husband and I embarked on a journey toward Point Udal, the pinnacle of Saint Croix, in the United States Virgin Islands, and the most easterly point of the United States of America. It was a pilgrimage of sorts, a gathering for morning devotions amid nature’s grandeur. As we traversed the winding roads, the world lay still, shrouded in darkness save for the symphony of nocturnal creatures.
Yet as we drew closer to our destination, a gentle transformation began. The darkness yielded to the faintest glimmer of light, and dawn tiptoed in like a silent sentinel. Arriving at the towering landmark, we were met with a multitude of fellow seekers, for Point Udal is a famous tourist attraction. Thus, while a few of us came to seek solace in the quiet majesty of the dawn, the masses came armed with chairs and cameras to behold and capture the spectacle of sunrise. And then it happened. Slowly, somewhat hesitantly at first, the sun emerged from behind the clouds, casting its golden rays upon the waiting earth.
The sky became a canvas painted with orange, pink, and golden hues, a masterpiece unfolding before our eyes. At that moment I could not help but think of the return of Jesus as described by Ellen White. “Soon our eyes were drawn to the east, for a small black cloud had appeared, about half as large as a man’s hand, which we all knew was the sign of the Son of man. We all in solemn silence gazed on the cloud as it drew nearer and became lighter, glorious, and still more glorious, till it was a great white cloud. The bottom appeared like fire; a rainbow was over the cloud, while around it were ten thousand angels, singing a most lovely song; and upon it sat the Son of man.”* As certain as the sunrise is the promised return of Jesus. Let us eagerly await that glorious day when we shall behold our Savior in all His splendor.
And in His coming we will find hope, redemption, and eternal joy!
