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Isn’t it marvelous that every December, we hear songs all over the place that proclaim Jesus’ birth? In every store, radio and TV commercial, listeners (regardless of their faith) are reminded of the coming Messiah!I’m sure you have heard the song “O Holy Night” but did you ever stop to consider the words? One line in particular stands out to me: “a weary world rejoices.”
And boy do we feel weary this Christmas.
As Christians, we may have heard a great deal about the star of David that appeared during the birth of Jesus. But did you know that a certain astrological phenomenon involving stars will occur in late December of 2020?. The planets Saturn and Jupiter will align on December 21 and will form what might look like a “Christmas star” shape in their alignment.
Just how rare is this phenomenon? You would have to go back to the 1200s just to see something similar to this occurrence happening around the same time. .This won’t happen again until 2080, so soak in this show while you can.
Matthew 2:1-2 “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.”
The star placed over the birthplace of Jesus points the way for the Magi to find him.. The star clearly brings people to Jesus. It lights the way to him. So of course hearing about the Christmas Star of 2020 I’m reminded of a verse from one of my favorite Christmas songs ..”O holy night, the stars are brightly shining ..It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.”
The news of this so-called “Christmas star” has sparked hope and excitement for believers around the globe.
Does this phenomenon this year mean more ?? I’m Believing YES !! We are weary this year more than ever , why not get excited about an event that won’t happen again in most of our lifetime…So during your preparations for the holiday season, take a break and get some night-sky viewing in.
Making it even more special: Dec. 21 also marks the winter solstice — the longest night of the year, the tipping point where daylight once again starts gaining ground on darkness.
The Christmas Star is coming , let this be our light at the end of a long, dark 2020 tunnel.
A Prayer for Joy This Christmas
Dear God,
Lord, I thank you for this Christmas season. I thank you for the simple beauty of Christmas decorations, for family recipes and time spent with friends, whether virtually or in person. I thank you for the ways you’ve blessed us and kept us this past year. But Lord, if I’m honest, this year has been tough. Lord, I pray that your Holy Spirit would be at work within me. Help me to focus on the miracle of Jesus’ birth, and remind me daily that this world is not my home. When I feel overwhelmed or worried, I pray that you would quiet my heart, and fill me with your peace. God, the reason for our Christmas celebrations is nothing short of miraculous. Thank you for sending your Son to give us a hope and a future! You are in control God, and your plans are perfect. I thank you for watching over my life, and I ask all of these things in your holy name,
Amen.