By Dannah Gresh, founder of True Girl
2020 is going out with another once-in-a-lifetime event . . . but I think you’re gonna like this one! Jupiter and Saturn will align to create the first “Christmas Star” in 800 years. Since this offers you a unique opportunity to talk to your children about the Christmas story, I've written a mom+daughter date plan to use between December 19-23!
I've always been fascinated by the night sky. It represents hidden mysteries that only God understands fully. Every now and then, something happens up there that reveals just how magnificent and inconceivably cosmic it really is. One such event happened to announce the birth of Jesus Christ. Matthew records that the birth of our Savior was accompanied by an extraordinary celestial event: a "star" led the magi or “wise men” to Jesus. (Matthew 2:1-12) There are a number of theories as to what the star might have been. One of them is “the conjunction theory.”
The Conjunction Theory
A celestial conjunction is when two planets–or a planet and a star–pass by one another so closely that they look like one bright orb in the night sky to our naked eye. One German astronomer proposes that the Christmas Star that would have led the wise men to baby Jesus was an exceptionally rare conjunction of THREE planets—Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus! This would have created magnificent tails or the radiant point of light that we associate with the Christmas Star. (Like the ones we decorated during The Great Christmas Cookie Decorating Party on December 7th!)
{Couldn't resist another chance to showcase this edible art by Anne Yorks of The Flour Box!}
If you're like me, you've asked yourself: how did those wise men know to follow that star? The true answer is that no one knows for sure where these men came from, but some scholars believe they were from Persia. This area was full of people who watched the sky for signs. It sure would have been a super big deal to see three planets lining up to create so much light in one spot! But how did they know it meant something about "the king of the Jews?" As long as we're talking about theories, let me share mine. Before the land we know today as Iraq was Persia, it was Babylon. Long ago when Daniel was living in Babylon. He became an influential government leader who was trusted by even the kings. Could it be that those wise men came to trust Daniel and learn from him? He would have told them about the coming King of the Jews based on prophecy from men like Isaiah. He may have even told them to watch for him. What must it have felt like when they actually saw a sign revealing that what Daniel had told them was true? Well, I think we might get a chance to feel at least a taste of it!
The Must-See Conjunction This Christmas
On December 21st, Jupiter and Saturn will align so closely in the night sky that they'll almost appear to collide from our vantage point here on Earth, re-creating the Christmas star. The sighting will be most extra-ordinary that evening, but it is visible from the 19th-23rd. Check your weather-forecast for the best night to view it in your area and keep reading for a few useful conversation tips and a free downloadable conversation guide. Why? Because this is a wonderful teachable moment and a lifetime event that most humans will never witness. The last time it happened was March 4, 1226! Now, maybe one of the other compelling theories are what actually explains the Star of Bethlehem. Even so, this one is a great opportunity to have a rich conversation about that first Christmas. Here's are three reasons why it's important for you to schedule time to view this celestial event with your daughter...and the rest of your family.
The star reminds us that there are physical explanations for the many extraordinary biblical events we read about! Of course, God could have just made a special star just for that Christmas season. But many of the miraculous things that happened in the Bible can be explained by science. And something about that excites me. When we experience the December 21st star this year, I suspect it will re-ignite us with understanding and faith for what happened over 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem. What a wonderful experience to take into the Christmas week.
The star reminds us that Jesus is coming again! God created the sky that held that first Christmas star. And He used it to lead the wise men to Jesus and to carry an important message. The wise men discerned that King Herod would seek to kill Jesus and were able to warn Mary and Joseph to take the baby to Egypt and hide. The star was an essential tool in the protection of our Saviour when He was a vulnerable human babe.
The Bible tells us that the sky will once again be used to warn of coming hardship. (I wonder if that's part of what God had in mind when he created the sun, moon, and stars?) Luke wrote that the sky would be used to tell us that the events of Revelation were about to unfold. “There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves.” Luke 21:25 And John recorded in his Revelation that the sky would be a significant tool during the last days. The fourth angel sounded, and a third of the sun and a third of the moon and a third of the stars were struck, so that a third of them would be darkened and the day would not shine for a third of it, and the night in the same way.” Revelation 8:12 I am not claiming that there is a connection between the December 21st conjunction and end-times. But I am saying this: Jesus is returning again. And I believe it.
The star reminds us that we have hope in this broken world! Anytime an event happens on this earth (or in the sky) that reminds my heart that Jesus is coming again, I like to take notice. Because I want to be prepared to be a part of His second coming and pass on that faith to the next generation. Our King is coming! And that gives me hope. One day He will make all things right and my tears will be no more.
Never have we needed hope more in my lifetime than we do as 2020 draws to a close.
I hope you'll enjoy the special True Girl mom+daughter December Date: Exploring the Christmas Star!
Our True Girl theme verse:
"So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, 'If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'” John 8:31,32
Mom, the best way to teach your daughter to live like an authentic True Girl is to live like an authentic True Woman. And to do that, you have to get your life lined up with the Truth of the Bible. Listen to Dannah Gresh every weekday on Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth's Revive Our Hearts podcast. The program features biblical teaching, interviews that offer godly advice, and other opportunities to abide in God's Word.
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