I kept hearing that the planets Saturn and Jupiter will align on December 21 and will form a "Christmas star". I have been so excited to see it. I am excited because the star of David, also known as the Christmas star, appeared to the Magi to point the way for them to find Jesus. Mike and I went to the water and watched for the star. It was cold and dark, much like this world, but we were reminded by this gift that Jesus is the Light of the World! The “Christmas star” looked like a double planet. But while they appear close, they are still hundreds of millions of miles apart, according to NASA. Looking at that put into perspective how I am a tiny speck in this world. However, God loves me so much! We found ourselves looking at the brightest star and thinking about that being the wise men’s navigation.
I have read that it has been between 400-800 years since Saturn and Jupiter were this close. I have also read that these two planets will be even closer together on Dec. 25, in the year 2874. I do not plan on being here for that one! Jupiter was brighter and easily visible. Saturn was slightly fainter and appeared to the left of Jupiter. Jupiter overtook Saturn and they swapped places in the sky.
The Magi found Jesus by way of the star, which some say was the “meeting of three stars: Jupiter, Saturn and Mars. They followed the star to get to Baby Jesus. Matthew 2: 1-2, “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi] from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2: 9-10, “After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”
Some researchers think it is another “sign” from Revelation of the end of time. Luke 21: 25, “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.“ I believe we will not know the day or the hour that Christ returns. Matthew 24: 36, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” What I do know is that if the Bible, God’s Word, says Jesus is coming back - He will come back! Most importantly, we are reminded that we need to be ready and be about His business, furthering His Kingdom.
I found lots of scientific explanations debating whether Saturn and Jupiter had aligned to form the bright light or if it was the “Christmas star”. I don’t attempt to understand. I am inclined to agree with someone who said they thought "the Christmas star was some sort of miraculous, luminous appearance in mid-air--something akin to the pillar of fire that led Israel in the wilderness!” Whatever the explanation, I believe God made something ordinary extraordinary. Isn’t that just like Him? He is reminding us of the original Christmas star. He is reminding us that Jesus is coming again! I believe He is also reminding us, on the darkest day of 2020, that He is The Light in this dark world! John 8: 12, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” The gospel of Jesus Christ is the only Light in this dark world! Wise men still seek Him!
Comments