On December 21, 2020, a "Christmas Star" conjunction occurred. Jupiter and Saturn were separated by a mere 0.1 degrees, and appeared as what looked like a single bright “star.” Some believe the Star of Bethlehem that enticed the Wise men to travel to see the Christ child may have been a conjunction of two or three stars and/or planets. The last time the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction was seen was 1623.
I am a little late, but last week's attribute was unity with our verse coming from Ephesians:
Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22
Ephesians uses stones held together with mortar to form a holy structure where Adonai resides as a symbol for individuals to join together in unity for God's glory. However, this past week, I was thinking and praying about the turmoil, anxiety and fear in our world, praying for God to bring about unity between Believers and our country when I was reminded of December's Jupiter-Saturn conjunction. Odd, I thought. Stones? Planets? Turmoil? I asked the LORD how these thoughts were connected.
If I say, "Surely the darkness shall fall on me," Even the night shall be light about me;
Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You. Psalm 139:11-12 NKJV
In December my family had been observing the travels of these two planets as they moved closer together over the previous nights. From our earthly perspective, Saturn and Jupiter looked to be united, although they were actually more than 400 million miles apart. Part of the uniqueness of conjunctions is that often these events occur during the day, so their light cannot be seen. The sun is so bright we usually forget there are stars in the sky. In contrast on nights with no moon, or artificial light, stars pop against the deep black backdrop of the universe to shine and demonstrate God's marvelous creation. When two or more planets travel in their orbit and appear to come together in a conjunction, their light shines more brightly than either one can alone.
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV
Our world seems to be growing more dark every day continuing to spin more out of control, moving closer to sin and destruction. We, like the night stars, have the opportunity to shine brightly for Christ, to demonstrate goodness, love, kindness and compassion to those surrounded by darkness, we can shine Christ's light into their darkness. Although we may become discouraged by the darkness, feeling out of place and desire to be in the light, it is so very important that we seize the opportunities to join with other Believers for encouragement and shine brightly wherever God desires.
Okay, so I understand we need to be unified with others for strength and effectiveness in serving the LORD in our sphere of influence, but... I continued to ask the hard questions: planets and rock, sin and light. Omniscient Creator, I am still not seeing the full picture...help me see! Revelation 21 has the answer...
And [the angel] carried me [John] away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.
But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.
The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. Genesis 21:10-11, 22-23 NKJV
My friend, it won't be long before there will be no darkness, turmoil, sadness or deadly pandemic. The King of the Universe has placed a light within you for a purpose, to shine for Him through this dark world while we are here. Although it is difficult to be different, standing opposed to societies "norm," the dark the world desperately needs to see the distinct source of our light. The darker the world, the more brightly Christ's light can be seen. Be encouraged. You are not alone, you are united with others in the body of Christ made to shine for His glory and to make His name great, dispelling the darkness to show others the Source of your light.
Praise You, Melek ha Olam. My Your Name be praised from the highest mountain tops to the lowest valleys. Help us to courageously shine Your light and love where it is darkest. Amen