8th - 14th November
8th November - Limassol Marina
While the sunsets in Cyprus are always spectacular, they are particularly impressive at this time of the year. The air is cooler and lower humidity increases 'spectral purity', allowing more colour to reach the human eye.
Another factor which enhances winter sunsets is the winter solstice, when the sun takes longer to set because it sets at an angle. The vivid colours can be enjoyed as they linger in the sky.¹ There are also more clouds in the sky in the autumn/winter season, which absorb the colour and create a captivating backdrop to the setting sun.
8th November - Limassol Old Port
I decided to photograph the sunset every evening last week from various locations to share the beauty of God's handiwork. People often take time to reflect as the spectacle unfolds. The Bible says: in Him we live and move and have our being. (Acts 17:28). There is no life outside of the Source, our Creator God, the One who holds our breath in His hands.
9th November - Limassol
The striking rays of yellow and orange added a special nuance to Wednesday's sunset. When we read God's Word, we open our hearts to rays of light and revelation:
The entrance of Your words gives light;
It gives understanding to the simple.
Psalm 119:130
10th November - Limassol
Sometimes buildings or people obstruct the view of the sunset, but the outlook from Kourion beach provided a clear vista. Our vision of God can be clouded by misconceptions of His plan for our life. He is a God of mercy and new beginnings because of His compassion and grace:
As a father pities his children,
So the LORD pities those who fear Him.
For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust.
Psalm 103: 13-14
11th November - Kourion Beach
I returned to Zygi on Friday to enjoy the peaceful scene at sunset. God's peace imparts a deep, unshakeable confidence and trust in Him.
Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us.
Psalm 62:8
12th November - Zygi
The sun does not set over Kouris Dam at this time of the year, but the effects were clearly visible in the scene below. As we spend time with God, we too should reflect His beauty and serenity in our lives:
And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us.
Psalm 90:17
13th November - Old St. Nicholas Church, Kouris Dam.
The clouds obscured the final setting of the sun in the picture below. However, the beauty shone through. In life our path can be overshadowed with clouds of doubt and trouble, yet God promises He is with us in those times and the light of His presence goes with us, even when we do not see Him. His promise to His people in the Old Testament holds true for us today:
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
14th November - Limassol Coast.
Sunsets remind us of the faithfulness of God. We too are called to be faithful in our walk and hold on to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23). One day our faith will give way to sight and we will enter the land which has no need of the sun. The light of God's glory and the Lamb will illuminate our eternal abode.
It has been a beautiful week of sunsets. May you have a blessed week ahead and be encouraged by the faithfulness of God displayed in creation and His Word.
Then sings my soul, my Saviour, God to Thee,
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
• • •
References:
1. https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2019/11/22/20970563/sunset-science-explained-rayleigh-scattering