On November 5, 2025, the full moon—known traditionally as the “Beaver Moon”—will reach its closest point to Earth this year, making it the biggest and brightest full moon of 2025. At its peak, it will be roughly 221,817 miles away and will appear slightly larger and more luminous than typical full moons. This supermoon marks the second in a series of consecutive supermoons and is expected to be best viewed in the evening of November 4 or 5 when it rises low on the horizon, glowing with an amber hue.
The beaver moon got its name because it typically occurs when the beaver retreats to its lodge after they have acquired the food they needs for the winter. The Old Farmer’s Almanac first began giving full moons names in the 1930s. Some other names for November full moons include the digging moon, deer rutting moon, and frost moon, which all reflect how animals handle the colder months.
A supermoon occurs when the moon's orbit is at its closest to the Earth, making the moon appear brighter and bigger than its normal size. This year will be the largest supermoon since 2019.
As the moon draws closer and shines brighter in our sky, how might this celestial moment remind us of our own call to draw closer to God—and how can we reflect that light into the lives of others?
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore, and persevere for many generations the remembrance of the city of God which had been shown! But every night come out these enjoys of beauty, and the light of the universe their admonishing smile.”
As we take note of the endless expanse that is the universe and the numerous created entities and phenomena that take place within it, we are reminded of how great our God is. The evening sky is a timeless reminder that God’s created world swells around us, taking up seemingly endless space, and is more than we could ever fully fathom on our own. God’s Kingdom is timeless and expansive.
David, one of the writers of Psalms, best captures how the stars point to God’s majestic glory. Psalm 8:3-4 reports, “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?”
The night sky is a reminder that we are small in comparison to an immeasurable God. It is a canvas on which God’s creativity is on display. Each night, we are invited to investigate and behold his majesty. Wonder at the mystery of how much we don’t know and marvel at the beauty God has put in place for us to soak up.
These Special Occurrences Remind Us of the Christian Mission to Be the Light
John 8:12 states, “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Jesus uses the imagery of light piercing darkness to illuminate the way through a space, illustrating how his life and death reveal to humanity the way to Heaven. When we come to know Jesus and accept him in our hearts as our Lord and Savior, we become agents of this light. Our mission is to help others find their way to Heaven.
We do this by having eyes, ears, minds, bodies, and souls that are connected to God’s guiding Holy Spirit. We must be sensitive to his quiet way and still our hearts from time to time so we can observe his handiwork on display all around us. As we take note of changes in our world, observe God’s mysteries and beauty, we take time to point others to Him in those moments. We don’t explain them away by chance, but we invite our hearts to offer humble praise for his glorious Creation. We share with others our appreciation for God with those around us.
God’s Light is Observable in Creation and Through the Word of God
The light God offers us is observable in Creation, as the Psalmist notes, but also through the Word of God, and should be visible to others through our actions. Psalm 119:105 shares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” This is why we, as Christ followers, study and share God’s Word with others.
God’s Word directs our steps, offering advice on how we can best live our lives. God calls this the way of the righteous. We embody the righteous way when, in our hearts, we embrace a posture of reverence for the Lord. Psalm 112:1 says it this way, “Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands.”
God’s way is defined by love. A love that is walked out through kindness. A love marked by patience. This love is controlled, not quick to anger. The love of God is selfless, punctuated by our willing sacrifices made for God and those he has made. The love the Bible speaks of embraces boundaries because it seeks to protect and not to harm. This love is enduring and is evident in all that God has created, from the moon in all its forms to the mystery of matter, to the way God is evident in the story of our lives.
As we take time to learn and observe the natural world, let God’s love bloom in our hearts and in our lives. Let these holy moments of wonder inspire us to find ways to more completely surrender ourselves to God’s way, that is, the light of the World. To learn more about the righteous way. To immerse ourselves in God’s Word so that more of his mysteries can be revealed to our hearts.
We Can Draw Near to God as We Enjoy His Created Universe
The beautiful thing about God is that as we draw near to God, he draws near to us (James 4:8). We can draw closer to him when we take time to delight in the moon, stars, and planets. We draw close to him when we study his Word and realize that his way is better for us. We grow closer to God when we embody his love.
God spoke to Abram through the stars so long ago, and he continues to speak to us through them now. Genesis 15:4-6 says, “Then the Lord said to him, 'No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir.” Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!” And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.”
God invited Abram to go outside so he could show him how great his plan was for his life. He invites us to do the same, go outside tonight, and remember that God has a plan for you. You are a result of his handiwork. You are made on purpose with purpose. May God reveal more of who he is to you through the Beaver Moon.
Photo Credit:©Unsplash/Ganapathy Kumar
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