Syenite

Syenite appears to be just an ordinary, plain-looking piece of rock, having a somewhat dirty, dull appearance. When subjected to the rays of ultra-violet light, however, it reveals peculiar pink spots on account of the presence of sodalite. This was only discovered in 2017 so one might be forgiven for wondering how many other minerals would have a similar reaction.

We sometimes talk about seeing things in a new light. UV certainly makes this dull stone rather more beautiful than in the plain light of day, below. George Robinson’s hymn, Loved with Everlasting Love, describes the new attitude the Christian has towards the sights of this world:

Heaven above is softer blue,

Earth around is sweeter green;

Something lives in every hue,

Christless eyes have never seen;

Birds with gladder songs o’erflow,

Flowers with deeper beauties shine,

Since I know, as now I know,

I am his and he is mine.

We now see things in the light of Christ. We can behold a beauty undetected by the unredeemed and we have a hope unknown to the unregenerate. When Christ is your life and Christ is your light, there is beauty in pain, a loveliness in trials and vivid hues in mundane rocks. In Christ, we are more beauitful to God the Father on account of our wearing His righteousness and, one day, reflecting His beauty. 

The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold. She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee. Psalm 45:13-15

A. D