The Great Conjunction: A Christmas Star?

Did you know that this week and next, Jupiter and Saturn are going to be closer together than they have been in 800 years? The climax of what is called a “great conjunction” will take place on December 21 when the two planets “…will appear separated by just 6.1 arc minutes. That is roughly the thickness of a dime held at arm’s length.” (Scientific American, December 17, 2020) Thus, the light from these two planets will combine to shine in the night sky as if they are one, making them one of brightest points to behold in the sky. Some are likening this phenomenon to the star that led the magi to the baby Jesus. I’ve read numerous times how this year we are getting a real Christmas star! 

Whether or not there is any connection to the star of Bethlehem, it seems fitting to me that we would be receiving such an incredible astronomical gift towards the end of a year such as the one we’ve been through. I’m not sure that it’s exactly a Christmas star such as the one that led the magi to Bethlehem, but it is quite amazing to see what is happening in the sky above us. To think that the last time these two planets were this close together the year was 1226!  As one astronomer put it, “The last great conjunction to appear as close and as visible as the upcoming one occurred on March 4, 1226. For perspective, Genghis Khan was still roaming Asia then.” (Patrick Hartigan, Scientific American- December 17, 2020)

What really caught my attention in this same article were these words by another astronomer: “All in all, the great conjunction is a reminder of how one can find solace in the constancy of heavenly cycles over the millennia given the inconstancy of modern times. We get caught up in things that happen over the small given amount of time that a human life exists under, but astronomy encompasses a timeframe so much more than that.” (Jackie Faherty) In other words, while our lives may be up and down in the short-term, God has set up a universe that is constant and stable in the long-term. 

We might say that the constancy and stability of our universe reflects to us the very nature of the God who created it. As the Apostle James wrote, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17 – NIV) 

Just as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west; just as the moon circles the earth in a constant pattern, as do the planets the sun; just as the stars appear in predictable patterns year after year, we know that we can depend upon the One who created every star, planet, moon and season. He is a God who never changes! And it is there, even in the face of pandemics, economic downturns, political tensions, and any and all of the personal difficulties that might come into our lives, that we find solace. 

So, as we come towards the end of what has been for us a very difficult year, let’s look up to the heavens, maybe catch a glimpse of the “great conjunction,” and remember that there is God in heaven who does not change, but is “the same yesterday, today, and forever!” (Hebrews 13:8) 

Have a great day! 

Pastor Tim Harris