This year we got to witness a stellar event that hasn't occurred in hundreds of years. Two of the largest planets, Jupiter and Saturn, passed each other. It's been nearly 400 years since the planets passed this close to each other in the sky, and nearly 800 years since the alignment of Saturn and Jupiter occurred at night, allowing nearly everyone to witness this "great conjunction". Is it a coincidence that this happened this year? During a pandemic? When perhaps more people might be looking for signs? More people might need hope? More people might find God? I personally don't think so. The night sky was dark enough to see this event with the naked eye. The planets were brilliantly bright as they settled above the horizon; however, if you didn't know where to look or even what you were looking for, you would have missed it. It was a subtle event. The stars were bright, yes, but so were other stars. They were really close together, but you could still see two separate lights as opposed to one really large star. It made me wonder what the real Christmas star was like. Was it just a planetary conjunction? Did people see it and not even notice? Were some underwhelmed by its light or expecting more? It made me think about the wisemen who were diligently looking for that star. How many nights did they study the sky? How much work did they put forth in charting the constellations or monitoring the events leading up to the Christmas star? How many nights do I study to prepare for His coming? How much work do I put forth in charting a course back to Him? I kept returning to the cold darkness of that night to see that "star". It wasn't what I expected, but as I gazed on its light, I couldn't help but feel peace - peace in knowing that there is a Father and a Savior out there who are watching over me and guiding me Home.
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