Saturday, December 19, 2020

The Christmas Star

Year 8-Day 354: Today, I am grateful for the Christmas star. 

I love when science attempts to "explain away" the wonders of faith. One of those things is the Christmas star. These things that strengthen my faith, because only a Great and Mighty God could cause the stars, moons and planets to align at just the right time for us to see signs in the sky. 

"The two largest planets in our solar system are coming closer together than they have been since the Middle Ages, and it's happening just in time for Christmas -- hence the nickname of the "Christmas Star." While it's not an actual star, the two planets will certainly make a bright splash in the night sky.

On the night of December 21, the winter solstice, Jupiter and Saturn will appear so closely aligned in our sky that they will look like a double planet. This close approach is called a conjunction. The fact that this event is happening during the winter solstice is pure coincidence, according to NASA. "You'd have to go all the way back to just before dawn on March 4, 1226, to see a closer alignment between these objects visible in the night sky." -Ashely Strickland,CNN

March 4 1226 was a long time ago. This sight we hope to see will be spectacular. I am praying for a clear night for the best viewing. So close to Christmas makes it extra special. 

This passage from Matthew tells of the Wise Men... the astronomers of the time... from the East who followed the star when Jesus was born. They knew it meant something. It was too spectacular to overlook. 

"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; -Matthew 2:1-3

I have always loved that the Wise Men saw through Herod's wicked ways. They avoided him on the return home and Joseph moved his new little family to Egypt for safety until the time to return was right.

God's time is always perfect. I don't understand it, but he never messes up. There are times small glimpses from today's viewpoint are confusing. We don't understand his ways all of the time. It is why faith and trust are so important. He longs for us to trust Him with our whole hearts. He  gives us signs. 

Today, I am grateful for the Christmas star. 

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