Editor’s note: Marc K. Gravert of Morrison, IL, submitted this essay from a friend. Graver noted, “I know some have seen the post about The Christmas Star appearing this year on [Monday,] December 21st. I couldn’t help but really take a deeper look at how amazing that this occurrence would be happening in the year 2020.” The writer makes connections between Christianity, Astronomy, and Political History. The Editor condensed the text.
Introduction: The last “super conjunction” of Jupiter and Saturn–where they drew this close to each other–was March 4, 1226! This year, their alignment will appear as one, glowing orb. Due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting greatly-reduced driving/pollution, Earth’s atmosphere is clear for viewing this Christmas Star.
…When Jesus was born, there was violence, chaos, and political and social unrest. It was dark. The Magi found Him by way of the star, which was the “meeting” of three stars: Jupiter, Saturn and Mars. The [men] followed the star until it rested on where He was, and they began to worship Him. In a time where it was dark, Light was brought into our world. Jesus stepped into the chaos and brought peace.
Fast forward to this year, 2020. It’s a time of violence, chaos, and political and social unrest. It is dark. Winter Solstice, December 21st, [is] a time where the day is the shortest, and night is the longest….It is literally the “darkest day” and is the beginning of what most would say the cold, dark winter season. But on the darkest day this year, Jupiter and Saturn meet, giving us the Christmas Star! How fitting, that in the moment of time during the Christmas season, that we get to see this beautiful reminder. Even in the darkest of times, Light has stepped in.
In our chaos, He is there. In our darkest time, He is there. He brings Light and makes all things new.
So as you look out on December 21st for the Christmas Star, may we be reminded of His power and His Light, that He brings for all mankind. Jesus is perfect at stepping into chaos and bringing it into peace.
