When Heaven Spoke in Color: Faith in the Northern Lights

Last night, the heavens above Fargo were alive with color as they were across the country. The Northern Lights shimmered across the sky in brilliant shades of red and green, filling hearts with awe and gratitude. I did not take these particular photos, but when I saw them, I instantly felt the same sense of wonder that so many experienced beneath that glowing sky. It was as if creation itself was worshiping, and for a few quiet moments, we were invited to join in.

The Northern Lights have always been a marvel of both science and spirit. We know that they occur when particles from the sun collide with our atmosphere, creating waves of color that ripple through the sky. Yet for those who watch in silence, it often feels like something more. It feels like a whisper from God, reminding us that His presence is not distant or confined to a church building. It moves and breathes in the world He made, lighting up even the darkest night.

In Scripture, light has always been a symbol of God’s presence. From the burning bush that called to Moses, to the pillar of fire that guided the Israelites, to the dazzling light of Christ’s Transfiguration, the message has always been the same: God is near. He reveals Himself not only in words, but in wonder. The radiant red that filled the sky last night felt like a living reflection of that truth.

The deep hues reminded me of the Holy Spirit, often represented as fire and light. It is the same Spirit that hovered over the waters at the beginning of creation, the same Spirit that descended upon the apostles at Pentecost, filling them with courage and renewal. Perhaps this brilliant display of light was a gentle reminder that the Spirit still moves through creation today, filling us with peace, awe, and faith when we take the time to look up.

As I gazed at the photos this morning, I could not help but think of how God continues to reach out to us through beauty. The world can feel chaotic and heavy at times, yet God’s artistry never stops. He paints reminders of hope across the heavens, inviting us to slow down and see His love written into the fabric of the universe. The Northern Lights are a reminder that the same Creator who shaped galaxies and starlight also shaped each of us, breathing life into our souls and purpose into our days.

Moments like these call us to gratitude. Gratitude for the mystery that keeps us humble, for the beauty that awakens our hearts, and for a Creator who never stops speaking through His creation. Even when clouds cover the stars or storms fill the air, the light is still there, waiting to break through.

Though I did not take these photographs myself, they capture something eternal: the way God’s light continues to reach us. It shines above us, around us, and within us. It reminds us that faith is not just something we hold in our hearts; it is something we can see reflected in the sky. And when we lift our eyes to that glowing canvas, we are reminded once again that God is still painting hope across the night.

**Note: Photos were shared on the Fargo/Moorhead/Area Community Page on Facebook and are being used with permission from the photographers.**