Have you noticed the Christmas lights this year? They seem brighter! Around our neighborhood Christmas, lights are decorating trees and porches and roof-lines. John 1:5 “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” Every little twinkle light seems determined to do its bit to shine in the darkness.
Even creation is getting in on the action. According to scientists, on December 21, Jupiter and Saturn will cozy up close in our night sky and appear closer to the earth than they have for 800 years. This is called the Great Conjunction 2020. Of course, the two planets aren’t crashing into each other, they just appear to be close from our vantage point. To make this event more dramatic, December 21st is the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year when we will have the least amount of sunlight.
If you want to see it, you might want to download the Sky View app. At our house, we use this app to view the night sky and it is beautiful. December 21 would be a great time for a road trip, loading everyone in the car, heading to a park somewhere beyond the city lights, and just letting the incredible beauty of it all enfold you.
Darkness. A bright star in the sky. Remind you of anything? The Great Conjunction has also been called The Christmas Star.
A prayer for darkness and light.
Sometimes, God, we just sigh in wonder. This big beautiful planet spinning through space, tilting just enough to change the seasons. We peer into the night sky, and it surrounds us like a deep rich blanket. Looking at the sky, knowing all we know about planets and comets and stars, our egos melt and we realize how small we are. Our ancestors from centuries ago peered into the same sky and felt the same wonder. Shepherds looked to the sky and heard choirs of angels. Magi followed a path of starlight. May we look to the night sky and trust in the darkness, that beyond all we can know and see and understand, you hover over us with beauty and truth. May we marvel at the light sent to us eons ago, still finding its way to us. May we, most holy God, simply sigh in wonder and bow in thankfulness. Amen.
Advent Blessings to you,
Pastor Cindy
Pastor Cindy Hickman
West Des Moines United Methodist Church
720 Grand Avenue
West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
515-279-0826
Like us on Facebook or visit us at wdmumc.org.
And join in worship on-line every Sunday at 9:30 on Facebook or posted all week long.
This Week at WDMUMC!
This Sunday we celebrate the third Sunday of Advent. Pastor Trevor will be preaching. This Sunday we will light the candle of Joy!
Luminaires! Light Up Your Corner of the World! The Everybody Eats team is selling luminaries. The funds raised will be used for our hunger programs. Details at wdmumc.org.
Lessons and Carols from Simpson College Sunday at 6 pm. Beautiful music to celebrate this Advent season. Check out our Facebook page.
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