Gospel for God’s Children by Linda Shields:
"The Christmas Star”
This December 21st, the Winter Solstice, God is sending the people of Earth an early Christmas Present! A Christmas Star. Astronomers are stating that the planets Jupiter and Saturn are going to come into alignment and appear so close together that they will make a bright light in the sky that can be seen with the naked eye. The last time this occurred was March 4th, 1226. It did happen again in 1623, but was not visible to people on earth. This close alignment will not happen again until the year 2080. Astronomers say the alignment of these planets is rare occurring every 20 years, but this alignment is different in how close these two planets will appear, a tenth of a degree apart, (1/5 the diameter of a full moon). Even though they will look like they are about to touch, the two planets are still 450 million miles apart. The scientist compared it to the width of a dime held at arm's length.
This December 21st, about 45 minutes after sundown, look towards the west, southwest sky. The "Christmas Star" will be bright enough to see with the naked eye. You can also use a pair of binoculars or a telescope to make out a distinction between the two planets.
We know in scripture our Lord created the stars and planets and he holds them together. In the book of Job, chapter 38 verses 31 - 33, God asks Job, "Can you hold back the movement of the stars? Are you able to restrain the Pleiades or Orion? Can you ensure the proper sequence of the seasons or guide the constellation of the Bear with her cubs across the heavens? Do you know the laws of the universe and how God rules the earth?"
When viewing the conjunction of these planets this Christmas season, contemplate on the wise men, who interpreted the ancient prophecies, and studied the starry skies. Imagine their excitement upon discovering the "Star of Bethlehem," and traveling from their eastern land and after arriving in Jerusalem asked, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We have seen his star as it arose, and we have come to worship him." ( Matthew 2: 2).
This Christmas, let us come worship him also, for this newborn king of the Jews is our King too. God has promised that through this King Jesus, his precious son, all the world can receive his gift of forgiveness of sin and eternal life. Wouldn't you like to receive these gifts? You can, free to all who will just ask of God. What a gift, to have a relationship with the holy King of Kings.
Dear Father, thank you for the gift of your son Jesus, and a chance of a glimpse of a Christmas Star to remind us of his incredible birth. All good gifts come from you. Thank you, and Amen
God Bless