The answer is: Stars

Gen 1:14-19

When we dive into the captivating narrative of creation in Genesis, day four marks a significant expansion of the universe as God brings forth the stars. The distinct mention of stars serves as a poetic touch to the creation story. It's not purely functional—a calendar fix or a way to tell time with the sun and moon. Instead, it beautifully demonstrates the vastness and complexity of God's handiwork.

Did you know that there are more stars in the universe than grains of sand on all the world's beaches? Some estimates suggest that the Milky Way alone holds over 100 billion stars! God’s decree in Genesis, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky” not only introduces light-giving bodies but also hints at the brilliance and splendor of creation.

Through the counting of days that defines the Hebrew understanding of time, day four might also echo the significance of dividing light from darkness, a divine quality embraced throughout the text. Not just with physical lights, but also symbolically representing knowledge and ignorance, hope and despair.

The stars, placed strategically in the sky, are like God sprinkling His glory over the cosmos. They reflect the magnificence that encapsulates not only the universe but also influence our journey as seekers of wisdom. When gazing at the night sky, it brings John Perkins to mind, who famously said that the impressive universe is in the heart of the artist. This perspective aligns with the grand design portrayed in Genesis, a reminder of both the Almighty and the outstanding uniqueness of life within creation.