“Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.” — Isaiah 40:26

Last night my hubby and I sat by the bonfire while he smoked some meat for dinner. It was a chilly night, but you cannot beat the view of the stars on a crisp cold winter evening. Where you can see hundreds of stars in the summer months, there are now thousands upon thousands of stars! In addition, we don’t have to stay up until well past our bedtime to see the glory of the heavens, thanks to the early sunsets in winter.

At this time each year, I impatiently await Orion’s ascent into the winter sky. It’s my favorite constellation. I saw the Pleiades rising, and I knew Orion would rise along right behind it, but we didn’t stay outside that long. So I’ll keep watching for it.

Last week, while briefly searching the sky, I noticed a bright star in the south that I had never seen before — it was Neptune! I was thrilled, so I quickly texted my fellow planet-watcher with its direction. Never mind that he is four years old — when you see something you have never seen in the sky, you want to share the news with other interested friends.

I wonder if that is how the ancient people felt when they saw the star of Bethlehem. There is a riveting story behind the Christmas star. One that ties together the mystery of Bible prophecy, the intrigue of history, and the technology of science. You know the verse, “…We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2B) But did you know that the following verse may also indicate what was happening in the stars at the time of Jesus’ birth?

“You are a lion’s cub, O Judah; you return from the prey, my son. Like a lion he crouches and lies down, like a lioness– who dares to rouse him? The sceptre will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his.” (Genesis 49:9-10)

You can read about Rick Larson’s study of the Bible and historical accounts of the celestial events the ancients saw on BethlehemStar.com, where you can also purchase a copy of his documentary. Or you can watch the documentary on YouTube: The Star of Bethlehem Documentary 2007. (1:04:58) Either way, it’s not to be missed.

I hope you have a lovely Christmas season with your family and friends. Enjoy the rest and the festive crafts, food, and activities. School will resume with greater success if you thoroughly enjoy the change of focus.

~Nicole