CAROL'S GEMS: TOPAZ AND CITRINE--HARVESTING SUNSHINE

Every month has a birthstone. The birthstones for the month of November are yellow topaz:



 

and citrine:



And they both remind me of Jesus.

 

 

A Gift From The Sun

 

Both of these golden gemstones are the color of sunshine. Yellow topaz is naturally occurring; yet rare. Golden citrine—quartz—is also rare in its natural state. Most commercial citrine today started out as purple quartz (amethyst) or smoky quartz and was turned golden by applying heat.

 

Ancient Egyptians believed that natural yellow topaz got its color literally from the sun; or rather from the rays of the sun god, Ra. Romans similarly affiliated topaz with Jupiter—who was the Roman god of the sun.

 

Ecclesiastes tells us though that there is nothing new under the sun. In other words, there is nothing new down here on earth. Above the sun, in heaven, is another story because above the sun—as well as in our hearts—is where Jesus resides. Jesus is not the sun god. He is the Son of God.

　

Symbolism

 

Topaz is a symbol of wisdom, friendship, love, honesty, faithfulness, tenderness and purity. Sound anything like the fruit of the Spirit?

 

Citrine is said to bring the wearer health, hope, energy and warmth. In ancient times, citrine was worn as protection against snakes and evil thoughts. Instead of pasting together a dozen fig leaves, Adam and Eve should have encased themselves in citrine!

A gift of citrine is symbolic of hope and strength. Jesus is our only hope of heaven and our sure strength for all trials.

　

Harvest

 

More than any other birthstone, yellow topaz and citrine represent their month—at least for the Northern Hemisphere. Both gemstones are the color of harvest—the color of leaves after the first frost-cold night; of persimmon cookies, pumpkin pie and butternut squash. Both stones capture the warm glow of autumn and bring sunshine to the first days of the long winter to come.

 

As a reminder of harvest, yellow topaz and citrine point to the eternal harvest Jesus will begin when he returns. That harvest of souls. The one you and I are so eager to be part of.

 

Happy birthday to everyone born in November.

 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, thank you for seasons. Thank you for the reminder of the warmth of summer and the coolness of autumn. Thank you for harvest time on earth that reminds us that those of us who call upon your name are assured of the eternal harvest to come. Amen.

 

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Do you own any yellow topaz or citrine? Want some?