Last night we were able to see “The Christmas Star.”
The “Great Conjunction” between Saturn and Jupiter.
Some have suggested that these two planets might be a replica of the legendary Star of Bethlehem that prompted the Magi to begin their journey from the Far East to Bethlehem.
Research shows that there was a series of conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn in 7 BC. For in that year Jupiter and Saturn met not once but three times that year (in May, September and December).
The first conjunction (on May 29 — visible “in the east” before sunrise) presumably started the Magi on their way to Bethlehem from the Far East. The middle conjunction (September 30) may have strengthened their resolve in the purpose of their journey, while the third and final conjunction (Dec. 5) occurred just as they arrived in Judea to meet with King Herod, who sent them on to Bethlehem to “go and search diligently for the young child.”
We often think about the “beginning” of the journey to find the Christ child, but do we think about what strengthens the resolve to continue?
Do you think at any point along the way they wondered if they’d missed something? That maybe they were on a “wild goose chase?”
The story of the Magi gives us a powerful picture of what it requires in our lives to follow The Christ.
It’s “sacrifice.”
They sacrificed their time, their wealth, and maybe even some of their sanity to go on a journey in search of the promised one.
They gave what they had. And while doing so, they found resolve to do it even when it was costly to themselves.
That’s a beautiful part of the Christmas story – there isn’t a “magic list” of what we have to give in order to be a participant in the gift. We are simply called to present, to give what we have.
Our devotion and passion for living a life of unity with The Divine is not measured by the “what” but instead measure by the “how.”
How willing are we to give of ourselves so that we can be a part of something much bigger?
May we be prompted by “the Christmas Star” to the act of sacrifice. May we find resolve to continue even when it is difficult to do so.
It changes everything.