Christmas Star

“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.” – O Holy Night, composed in 1847

For the first time in 800 years, the planets Jupiter and Saturn have aligned closely to form the Christmas Star. According to historians, you would have to go back to the year 1226 to see a closer alignment! And in the year 2020, after the world has been through so much, we have the fabulous opportunity to see it ourselves! I took these photos tonight in rural Turner County South Dakota, before a cloud bank rolled in, obstructing the view as the planets got closer together.

Should we be surprised that this extremely rare occurrence would take place this year, in 2020, a year that has been so dark, devastating, unpredictable, and challenging for us all? When we are all so weary?

“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him…” – John 1:9-10

Matthew 2:9-10 tells us: “The wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed!”

As we prepare for Christmas this week, I hope you have a chance to take some time to embrace the hope of this season and what the year ahead may bring. Reflecting on all that we have lived through and experienced in 2020. The joy, the loss, the uncertainty, the hope. All of it. But looking to the future and the light.

“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” – John 1:4-5