Light in the Darkness

Have you heard the news?

Befitting this memorable year, the winter solstice of 2020 will be one for the books. On December 21st, the longest and darkest day of the year for those in the Northern hemisphere, Jupiter and Saturn will be the closest they have been in four hundred years.

As these two planets approach each other, it will appear to spectators on Earth as one of the brightest stars. Though having last occurred 400 years ago, this conjunction has not been visible since 1223.

Do you hear what I hear?

On the darkest day, in one of the darkest years for many, there will be one the brightest lights in over four centuries taking place near Christmas, no less.

Coincidence? I’m not so sure.

For the past 4 months, I have been reading and studying some of the most influential Astronomers along with my 8th grade class. These men and women have made foundational discoveries that influence the way we see and learn about the universe today. Each week after class we would discuss this one question, “How do their discoveries inform our view about God?”

One misconception that tends to form in our postmodern culture is that science and religion are at odds. The reality is that these early scientific discoveries were made as a result of their faith, not in spite of it. They knew that because there was a Creator who made a universe so expansive, He would give our minds the ability to discover aspects of it as a way to learn more about Him. Every week, without a doubt, the students would reply with how vast God is, how majestic He is, and how incredibly intentional He was to create each planet, each star, each galaxy just right.

“And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars.” Genesis 1:16

Scripture is filled with mention of stars and how they reflect the character, faithfulness and love of God.

In fact, one of the most prominent characters in the Christmas Story is the Star. Without this distinguished star, which was literally the meeting of Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars, the Magi would not have had a clue about where to go to find the Savior King.

“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.” Matthew 2:2 ESV

The star not only provided navigation assistance, but also represented the Messiah, the personification of light coming into dark. At that time in history, there was political strife, division among race, and cultural upheaval. Sound familiar? This light that appeared was a symbol of the Light that came near to defeat darkness and fulfill prophesy. The story of Jesus is not just a feel-good story that we visit at Christmastime. It was a historical event that shattered the darkness of it’s time, and lit the way forward with hope, life and joy.

“After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” Matthew 2:9-10 ESV

Perhaps this conjunction of planets next week is not coincidence, just as it wasn’t coincidence 400 years ago, 800 years ago, or the year the Savior of the world was born.

As you step outside on December 21st, and I hope you do, look up at the stars.

Look at each burning ball of gas lighting up the night sky, and allow your mind to rest on your Heavenly Father just as the star rested upon Jesus so many years ago.

The One who sovereignly placed each one for a certain time and place is the very same One who providentially placed you to be a witness of His majesty right here in 2020.

“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

what is man that you are mindful of him,

and the son of man that you care for him?

Psalm 8:2-3

May we stand amazed that in the midst of a dark and trying year, God saw it good to remind us of His ability to be Light. Friends, be encouraged today that you can rejoice knowing your Father, the Creator God, makes no mistakes. In fact, He just might have a plan that is better than anything we can come up with on our own.

Need a reminder? Look up.

“Is not God high in the heavens? See the highest stars, how lofty they are! Job 22:12 ESV