Saturday, December 12, 2020

The Christmas Star

For the past few days, I've been reading about the "Christmas Star" that is going to appear on December 21, 2020. We all agree this year has been a hopeless case. There has been much chaos and turmoil, loss and fear and we can't seem to get to 2021 fast enough.
From what I understand about this "Christmas Star" is "Jupiter and Saturn will come within 0.1 degrees of each other. They will form the first visible 'double planet' in 800 years! This is what scientists believe happened when the Magi told King Harod, "We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." (Matthew 2:2)
 
As I've been reading up on this event, I keep coming back to one verse in Luke. When I read the whole passage, it struck my soul with great hope! These are the words of Jesus and it says:
"'And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. 26 People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. 28 So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” 
 
29 Then he gave them this illustration: “Notice the fig tree, or any other tree. 30 When the leaves come out, you know without being told that summer is near. 31 In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that the Kingdom of God is near. 32 I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things have taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear." (Luke 21: 25-33 NLT) As we have seen in 2020, there have been all kinds of rare moons, planets appearing, beautiful sunsets and sunrises. I believe God's been trying to get our attention!
 
I want to encourage you today, not to be afraid, but instead "look up" with a heart of hope! God is watching and He sees all that is wrong in this whole world. It's all about timing. The "Light of the World" came over 2,000 years ago. (John 8:12). He IS coming again so "look up our salvation is near!" AMEN!