Inching closer together this week, the Christmas Star event will unfold for the first time in 800 years! Look to the southwest sky just after sundown on the winter solstice, December 21st to witness the 2020 “star of Bethlehem”. Jupiter and Saturn will merge creating a once in a lifetime holiday treat (Great Conjunction). The last was when Galileo was alive in 1623. Who would imagine after the year the world has seen that something wonder-filled will mark the end of 2020, and offer a bright ray of hope? This Christmas we need this spectatular reminder that the universe is more magical than our confinement. We are encouraged to see beyond our sofas and expand our loving hearts.
Holidays are so often about family and friends, parties and food, decorating and song, church and prayer. This year, let’s take the opportunity for this very different Christmas to bring forth a different magic. Allow me during this eventful week to offer a reminder of your own magical powers. You touch others even when you cannot embrace them. Your “facetime” presence in their lives enriches and can bring them peace and calming- a steady force, especially when everything seems to whirl out of control.
The awe of the star can remind us that we also have a light to share, even from a distance, that can and often does change a life. We need each other. Many of my messages this year have been about being there for someone. The aloneness does not have to be lonely. Consider those in your life who have made a difference and believe me when I say that you have made a difference to them.
Someone is tapping into your strength, bravery, humor, advice, example, support and living a better life because of you. I see it everyday here. The gentle touch of the daughter helping her father into his jacket, the husband stroking the fearful wife’s hand, the children demanding attention to divert from the drama of disease, the doctor, nurse, technician giving confidence and assurance, the driver guiding the elderly from the van with patience and compassion.
You are also a beacon of hope and light to many. Often a patient comes with tales of their friends who have managed, thereby giving them courage. After so many difficult months and many losses, let’s come together to remember that this world needs us and that everyday brings opportunity to shine God’s light on someone elses’ path- lighten their burden while lifting our own joy. You have been brave this year and will be next, but let’s take this Christmas week to be grateful for our blessings- not what we have- but what we were gifted to share with others.
To my dear readers, Happy Hanukah and Happy Christmas to all- and to all a bright light!
PS: The free “skyview” app is an easy way to locate constellations and planets on your phone- Jupiter and Saturn are waiting for you.